At just 14, Brackendowns darts player Anastacia Michel has already achieved what many athletes dream of: Representing SA on the international stage.

Wearing the green and gold for the first time at the World Darts Federation World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, was unforgettable.

“It was amazing, one of the best feelings I have ever had, knowing I had made it this far.”

Competing internationally had its challenges, particularly in the singles event, her first appearance in a world-level tournament.

“I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect, but was excited to compete against other countries,” she said.

She tightly contested her opening matches, with both going to tie-breakers that, ultimately, did not go her way. However, she said they had taught her an important lesson.

“I learnt not to rush and stress so much.”

Anastacia relied on a simple but effective technique to manage her nerves on the oche (the line behind which the throwing player must stand).

“Each time before I stepped up, I reminded myself to breathe. I would take a deep breath, re-centre myself and calm my mind,” she explained.

The highlight of the tournament came during the mixed pairs event, where Anastacia and her partner made the final and won silver for SA.

“It felt amazing. I was proud to be a South African in that moment, knowing so many people back home, and even family abroad, were watching on the live stream,” she said.

Since first picking up a dart in 2023, Anastacia believes the sport has shaped her confidence beyond competition,

“I feel I have become more confident in all areas of my life.”

Technically, she credits her biggest improvement to consistency and finishing, “Hitting the big scores and closing on doubles improved the most,” she said.

Having her mother at competitions is a source of motivation, especially when matches do not go as planned.

“My mom is always behind me, watching my games, and that encourages me, helps me relax and refocus,” Anastacia said.

Top international players, such as Beau Greaves, Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries, inspire her, “They are brilliant and professional players, and I am still an amateur,” she said.

Anastacia hopes to be selected for the Junior Gauteng team again this year and compete at the national championships in the Western Cape.

“I’ll see where that takes me from there,” she said.

She had a message for girls considering the sport: “Go for it. Try it; see if it’s for you. Don’t get disheartened if the darts don’t land where you want them to. Practice; you will get there.”

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A proud parent
For Anastacia’s mother, Nicci, watching her daughter represent SA at such a young age was emotional.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I was a proud mom. She has made me beyond proud,” she said.

She realised darts was more than a hobby when Anastacia was selected for the Junior Gauteng team in 2024. Since then, the family has supported her development.

“We’ve made sure she has the right equipment and a space to practise at home, and take her to almost every event. Through all the ups and downs, we are there to guide her,” she said.

Balancing school, training and competitions takes discipline, something Anastacia developed early on.

“She completes her schoolwork before practice or events and, through good time management, has excelled academically and in darts,” her mother said.

Supporting a young athlete at an international level has challenges, particularly financial ones.

“Federations do assist, but sponsorships are difficult because darts is often seen as a pub sport,” she explained.

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Winning silver in Seoul meaningful for the family.

“I was over the moon. Seeing all the hard work pay off and receiving recognition meant a lot,” Nicci said.

She believes the journey helped Anastacia mature and grow as a person.

“She understands the ups and downs of life better now and knows that hard work and determination can help you reach your goals.”

With a busy calendar ahead, including the Gauteng Darts Federation Opens and national trials, the family’s weekends will continue to revolve around darts.

If again selected, Anastacia will go to the Western Cape in July to compete at the national championships.

“I just hope darts always remains a passion for her. If she continues to enjoy the sport, I believe she can achieve any goal she sets for herself,” her mother said.