Darts measures millimeters, not masculinity. The women proving this? Players like Denmark's Michelle Merlit (age 32, competing since 2015) who treat the board as a canvas. Every 180 from female hands isn't just points, it's progress. The sport's future isn't coming, it's already here, wearing lipstick and throwing flames.

How did it all start? What first made you pick up those fateful three darts?

My mom and dad played for years, but it was never my game, until one day, their team needed a player. I stepped in… and I haven’t stopped since.

What’s the first thing that pops into your mind about your favorite part of darts?

Nothing beats the feeling of winning in darts.

What’s the darting achievement that made you do an embarrassingly dramatic victory dance?

Haha, dancing’s not my style, I save all my energy for hitting those doubles!

What’s your #1 practice tip to seriously improve your dart game? Any drills, routines or mindset strategies that made the biggest difference for you?

Keep your head in the game! Play the board, not the opponent. And throw straight, everything else is just noise.

What’s the most ‘amateur hour’ mistake you still make sometimes?

I still get distracted by too much noise around me… and sometimes I’ll count 10 points too little. Classic!

What’s the hardest part of going from amateur to pro as a female darts player?

People’s expectations. You can’t just have good days, there are bad days too and everyone’s watching when you do.

What’s your go-to response when someone says, ‘Women’s darts isn’t as exciting’?

I tell them I get it, they just haven’t seen the right match yet.

Do you feel women receive equal opportunities in competitive darts?

I think there are good opportunities for women, but maybe not the same as men. Honestly though, we’re not as many players as the men’s field, so maybe that’s okay for now.

If you could redesign darts culture to support women better, what’s the first rule you’d change?

Just respect. That would be the perfect start.

Darts is a ‘pub sport’, but pubs aren’t always welcoming to women. Have you experienced this?

Not at all! In Denmark, we play pub darts every Monday, women are completely welcome here!

Which non-dart sports successfully market their female athletes that we should steal ideas from and why?

Gymnastics! Look at Simone Biles, she’s not just good, she’s perfect! Five skills named after her, more medals than any female gymnast ever… When you’re the first to do something nobody else can, that’s how you become legendary. And the sport? They don’t just celebrate her wins, they build entire stories around her making history. That’s how you create stars.

If you had to build the perfect darts player from scratch, which 3 non-physical qualities would be most essential and why?

Mental toughness, laser focus and clear thinking. Because darts is 90% in your head, the second doubt creeps in, your game falls apart.

Hungry for more of Michelle’s clutch checkouts and zero-filter takes? Her socials serve equal parts precision and personality. Fair warning, whiners get muted quicker than a 9-darter’s applause.

Facebook: facebook.com/michelle_merlit – Darts. Truths. Mic drops.
Instagram: instagram.com/michelle_merlit – For fans who respect the craft

Michelle, thank you for sharing your story, we celebrate not just one remarkable player, but every woman who dares to pick up these arrows. Your journey at the oche mirrors the quiet revolution happening across our sport, where skill, not stereotypes, writes the history. This spotlight isn't just yours, it illuminates the path for all the talented women who'll follow. Keep throwing with the pride of every female player behind you.