Behind the Oche: The Thrilling Life of a Darts Referee
Explore the unique journey of Owen Binks, a darts referee whose ADHD fuels his passion and success in the sport.
Owen Binks, a 27-year-old darts referee hailing from Colchester, finds himself in the company of celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Sir Stephen Fry almost daily. Unlike most people, attending high-profile events is just part of his job.
Having recently officiated at the PDC World Darts Championship, Binks reflects on his journey from a struggling employee in his 21st job to a respected figure in the world of darts. It all changed with a life-altering phone call from MODUS Super Series, prompting him to quit his office job on the spot and embrace his newfound role full-time:
"I knew that’s what I wanted to do and I’ve been living my dream ever since!"
The Perfect Fit: ADHD in the Darts Arena
Mr. Binks credits his ADHD as a significant asset in his refereeing career. He explained that conventional office jobs were at odds with his condition, but the fast-paced, hyper-focused environment of darts suited him perfectly.
In addition to refereeing, he takes on roles such as scorekeeper and spotter, accurately predicting players' moves through quick mental calculations - a skill he attributes to his ADHD:
"It really helps when you have a hyper-focus on the thing you love. For me that’s darts numbers - how random is that?"
Atmosphere and Impact
Having officiated matches featuring the likes of three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, Binks thrives on the electric atmosphere at venues like Alexandra Palace:
"It’s such a privilege to be up on stage as there’s no better crowds than the crowds at Ally Pally. The best thing is I get the best seat in the house to watch the best players in the world do amazing things."
During the recent championship, not only did he rub shoulders with elite players but also mingled with actors and sports stars in the audience. His infamous selfie with Ed Sheeran, where he spoke candidly about local football rivalries, even went viral on social media.
In conclusion, when asked about the nature of darts—whether it's a sport or merely a pub game—Mr. Binks firmly asserts its legitimacy:
"It's definitely a sport... It's the greatest sport on earth."
Owen Binks's story exemplifies how passion, individuality, and a unique perspective can lead to an extraordinary career in sports officiating.
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