Michael Smith’s tears after health diagnosis and World Darts Championship training challenge
Former world champion Michael Smith has endured a nightmare year ahead of the major tournament this month
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter and Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
18:00, 11 Dec 2025
Michael Smith has had a tough year(Image: Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Michael Smith is happy to just be competitive at the World Darts Championship following his nightmare year.
This confession might seem strange for someone who reigned as world champion just three years ago, having produced a nine-darter in what’s considered the greatest leg in the sport’s history against Michael van Gerwen.
Smith has openly admitted that he perhaps celebrated his world championship year rather too enthusiastically, which subsequently impacted his performances. Yet his struggles over the past 12 months stem from sheer bad luck.
Earlier this year, Smith disclosed he’d been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in his ankle, right shoulder and right wrist of his throwing arm. Whilst the condition cannot be cured and poses a serious threat to his career, Smith remains resolute in battling through the discomfort.
He made an encouraging comeback at the Grand Slam in November following a seven-month hiatus. After advancing to face Luke Humphries in the knockout rounds, Smith said: “I think I’ve seen the dartboard 10 to 12 times this year, and five of those times have come this week [at the Grand Slam]!
Smith isn’t letting his condition stop his darts career(Image: Harry Trump/Getty Images)
“Every time I get into a routine, something happens. In June, just before the Matchplay, I couldn’t walk for seven weeks, my ankle literally ballooned up. Then, a couple weeks ago, I tried to get into a routine and it ballooned up again.”
To manage the discomfort, Smith has turned to alternating ice and heat therapy, which has limited his practice time. He said: “If you could see my preparation! I’ve got machines on my feet, my wrist and my shoulder.
“Even when I do get to practice, I’ve got to stop every 20 minutes to use this new machine. It’s like a plate. Instead of holding ice and then trying to warm up with heat pads, it does it all for me. It’s 20 minutes every session.
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“It goes from six degrees, then up to 40 degrees. I do 20 minutes on my wrist, then 20 on my shoulder and 20 on my foot. I can use it every hour, so it’s basically a constant cycle with it.”
The 35-year-old has never once considered hanging up his darts. Following an emotional interview at the Grand Slam after defeating Nathan Aspinall, he said: “Not once. I think I made the semis of the UK Open with a hole in my leg.
Smith is ready to bounce back at Ally Pally(Image: James Fearn/Getty Images)
“I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months and then. When I got them took off, within two weeks, I won my first ProTour at 19. I’m a fighter, that’s it. I’ll be back, don’t worry.
“Winning matches, that’s who I’m about, that’s Michael Smith, not sitting at home. Being on big stages listening to the crowds, that’s me.
“I just want to be competing. I’m sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments. It p***** me off. S*** happens, I guess.”
Whatever unfolds at Ally Pally, Smith is resolute about making 2026 a significant year. In a bold statement that will thrill his supporters, he added: “I’m ready for it now, I’m ready to be competing again.
“I’m ready to travel the world again and hopefully I’m ready to be back in the biggest tournaments in the world. That’s where I want to be.”
Smith goes up against Women’s World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton in the opening round on the first evening. Thursday will also see Luke Littler kicking off the defence of his crown against Darius Labanauskas.
