Gerwyn Price’s body change after rival said he’d get ‘beaten up’ | Other | Sport

Darts star Gerwyn Price has spoken out about his  remarkable weight loss after a former professional suggested his transformation could leave him vulnerable to physical confrontation. The 40-year-old has shed an impressive three stone as he sets his sights on securing his second World Darts Championship title. ‘The Iceman’ has been candid about his weight loss journey, revealing how dropping the pounds has significantly improved both his mental and physical wellbeing.

He said: “I’ve been playing right through losing weight. It’s gradually happened over the last six months or so. You know how much darts is on these days, no chance for rest. While I’ve been playing, I’ve been losing weight slowly, and it’s been working. Just mentally, I feel a lot better in myself.” The outspoken star added: “When I’m putting on a medium shirt instead of an XL, it feels a little bit better. As long as I’m confident in myself and feeling better when I go up on stage, it can only help.”

Whilst most would celebrate Price’s weight loss, particularly given his own acknowledgment of the positive effects, not everyone shares the same view.

The World No. 13 faced criticism from former Dutch darts professional Vincent van der Voort, who suggested he had taken his transformation too far.

Van der Voort targeted Price during a podcast appearance earlier this year, arguing that Price has sacrificed too much muscle mass and could potentially find himself “beaten up” by competitors. “He used to have a lot of muscle – he was massive,’ Van der Voort said. “Now he looks like a kid.

Pretty soon, he’ll be getting beaten up by [25 year old darts star] Bradley Brooks. He used to be so broad, always in the gym. But he’s gone too far now. He really should put some weight back on – this isn’t good.”

Van der Voort added: “It’s not that I’m worried about him – for all I care, he can lose even more – but it’s meant as friendly advice. I’d tell him to eat a bit more. He owns a fish and chip shop, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Price evidently took exception to the remarks. Taking to Instagram, the Welsh star shared a series of photographs displaying his striking transformation.

His caption, seemingly directed at his critics, and possibly Van der Voort, read: “Concerned about my weight loss? Well, don’t be, I feel and look better than ever.”