Darts superstar Michael van Gerwen is competing in the World Darts Championship this Tuesday while still grappling with the arduous aftermath of a major surgical procedure. The Dutch player underwent an intense operation to correct a severe, long-standing jaw condition that had plagued him for years.
The Reason Behind the Major Surgery
Michael van Gerwen required the significant surgery to fix a debilitating underbite. This structural issue had caused him considerable difficulty with fundamental functions like eating and breathing over a prolonged period. The procedure was not elective but medically vital to improve his quality of life and health.
A Gruelling Surgical Procedure
The complexity of the operation was substantial. Surgeons had to physically break both his upper and lower jaws before carefully resetting them into a healthier, more natural alignment. While the surgery successfully repositioned his jaw, the recovery process has been a constant and challenging presence in his life as he adapts to the new structure of his face.
Long-Term Recovery and Professional Impact
Despite stepping onto the oche at the Alexandra Palace today, van Gerwen's medical journey is far from complete. He continues to wear corrective braces and has confirmed that he faces at least two more years of orthodontic treatment to finalise the alignment of his teeth.
The darts ace has admitted he initially underestimated the physical toll of the surgery and the subsequent healing. He described the experience as incredibly heavy and significantly more painful than any dental work he had ever endured before.
The timing of the operation forced him to miss key tournaments last year and drastically disrupted his normal training and practice regimens. Yet, his presence in the championship's final stages is a testament to his ability to adapt his game and mindset around these significant physical hurdles.
As he prepares for his crucial match, van Gerwen's focus remains locked on securing another world title. He is determined not to let his ongoing dental recovery become an excuse, instead channelling his resilience to perform on the sport's grandest stage. His story is one of remarkable perseverance in the face of personal adversity.
