Brackendowns teen earns national call-up to represent SA at World Darts Cup
At 14 years old, Anastacia Michel from Brackendowns has been selected to represent SA in the youth division at the World Darts Federation World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, this September.
Despite only picking up a dart in late 2022, Anastacia quickly rose through the ranks. She earned the title of top junior girl at the 2024 SA Nationals in Bloemfontein and has continued to achieve milestones in her short career.
Anastacia was introduced to darts by her father, who played casually with friends. In December 2022, her parents helped her join a local club where she and her dad could play together.
'I wasn't very good when I started,' she admitted.
'With all the support and positivity I receive from those around me, I continue to strive to play my best games and hone my skills to compete as best I can,' she said.
She credits that early support for helping her build the confidence she needed to compete.
'When I feel a little deflated, I think of those who believed in me. That motivates me to keep improving and play my best.'
Representing Gauteng at the nationals was a proud moment,'I was nervous, but I had my mom, dad and friends supporting me. That helped me focus and enjoy the experience.'
Her toughest matches came against the top-ranked 2023 Eastern Cape player and the Western Cape junior girls' team. 'Those girls really know how to play darts,' she said.
Anastacia draws inspiration from international darts stars like Beau Greaves of England, who, at 21, already holds three World Darts Federation (WDF) women's titles and competes in WDF and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events.
'She's amazing,' said Anastacia. 'There's also Gerwyn Price from Wales and Luke Humphries from England, who are huge role models for me.'
She finished at the top of the women's series in 2023 and 2024. She is also the reigning WDF Women's Champion, winning in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Anastacia aims to further her darts career and hopes to compete on an international stage, like the PDC, alongside her idols Greaves, Price and Humphries.
Those who would like to help her reach her goal can check her Back-a-Buddy fund created by her mother or contact her mother directly on 083 608 0965.
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