Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler – A True Young Talent – So Near…
Or just a Chubby 16 year old, with £200k in his pocket?
Hat’s off to Luke Littler for taking on the world’s best at darts, and nearly taking the top price.
He can be so proud of his achievement, and to get to the World Final at just under 17 years is amazing and something he can be so proud of, and unlikely to be beaten.
I am unsure if he will make BBC’s SPOTY, as December is a long way off, and by that time his feat is likely to have been overshadowed or just forgotten.
Especially as he is just a plain old (young) white lad. He doesn’t quite tick the BBC’s criteria – Female, Ethnic Minority, Trans, Disabled, – so is doubtful he will make the shortlist.
A Darts player is also unlikely to be up there, as worthy of being a SPOTY contender, especially as he does not look to be the fittest lad around.
I worry for a 17 year old who is clearly not the healthiest or fittest specimen. His diet, I believe is not recognised as being conducive to being healthy, and a BMI bordering on the obese – but who am I to judge. Kebabs, playing on Xbox and not finding time to exercise is not ideal.
The next couple of years could be instrumental in his longevity in the sport.
The pull of an intoxicating girl, the lure of the demon drink, and now more than ever the availability of recreational drugs, will challenge his resolve. I have seen many talents that are consumed by either, or all of them. Especially, for those whose talent comes so easily.
I trust he manages to focus on the Darts, that he is so skilful, but I fear for someone that has hit the heights so soon in his career – I hope I am wrong.
His friends and family, and those close to him will be key to his future development. His first true love – other than darts obviously – may be so influential on him as a man and his future. Love – or lust at his age – is an intoxicating drug.
I remember at his age, £20 seemed significant, and it took me a couple of years to save £200 for my first car. I could only have dreamed of £200k in my bank account. This may well burn a hole in his pocket, if he doesn’t spend this, and his future earnings wisely.
But who am I to offer advise to a young man in the lime light and with his life ahead of him. Just a word to the wise.
Good Luck Luke – You might just need it.
Last week I had never heard of Luke Littler, but after seeing photos of him on the front cover of newspapers and on social media I am now aware of the fact he’s a 16 year old Darts player. He’s also bloody good at darts.
So what gets me is how the press association have taken this young and upcoming darts player and tried to ‘big him up’ in the press. They made a buck out of his success to make themselves look supportive whilst making a profit from him and their stories. They also hyped him up BEFORE his big final match.
Then he lost out and was beaten. Gutting for him, but despite being beaten he’s still gaining attention, money and perks. Then he gets ‘judged’ on his size, stature, weight, age, relationship, diet and just about anything else people can throw into the mix.
His Dart player idols are more likely than not to have been mostly male, with weight issues, beer drinking issues, debt, size issues, side hustles and god knows what else. Bristow, Wolfe, Andy and such. Legions of supporters wearing Viking helmets, chanting, with a warm pint in their hands and the atmosphere of Lakeside sinking into every pore.
Give this young man a break. Don’t ride on the back of his success only to drop him like a stone if he doesn’t win. The press build these people up, too much. It isn’t good for them before an important match, game etc. Emma Radukanu (prob spelt wrong but I don’t care) was hyped, then dropped….she’s not the only one. He won’t be the last. The press will still make money.