Darts champion Michael Smith has shared details about his health challenges, which have led to a decline in his rankings. Despite winning the World Championship in 2023 by defeating Michael van Gerwen, Smith is currently positioned 21st globally. His absence from recent tournaments is attributed to various health issues affecting his shoulder, wrist, and foot, which he has now discussed openly.
Smith has received a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in his shoulder, expressing concerns about his body’s condition deteriorating. While he remains optimistic about making a comeback to top-level darts, he is considering options such as injections and potential future surgery.
In a statement to Online Darts, Smith revealed, “I received the MRI results for my shoulder, showing severe osteoarthritis. The next steps involve injections for my shoulder and wrist.” He acknowledged the possibility of a shoulder replacement in the future but is currently focused on managing his condition through injections.
Additionally, Smith experienced significant foot pain in the past without a definitive diagnosis, leading to challenges in mobility. He mentioned undergoing various tests and treatments for his foot condition, indicating a potential arthritis issue in that area as well.
While Smith has been a prominent figure in the darts scene, recent health setbacks have impacted his performance, as seen in his failure to qualify for the World Matchplay for the first time since 2013. Despite achieving some notable results in recent competitions, Smith attributes his inconsistency to mental concerns rather than solely physical limitations.
In other news, Sky has announced a price reduction for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering substantial savings ahead of the upcoming season. The package includes over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more, with a significant increase in the number of live Premier League games to be broadcast next season.
By using cookies and other tracking technologies, Reach and its partners aim to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and deliver personalized advertising. Users can manage their data preferences by adjusting settings on the website. Acceptance of cookies is implied by using the website and its services, subject to the privacy practices outlined in the Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.