From Darts Champion to Antiques Dealer: Terry Jenkins' New Chapter
Terry Jenkins, the darts legend famously known as 'The Bull', has embarked on a surprising new career path as an antiques dealer, leaving behind the high-stakes world of professional darts. At 62 years old, Jenkins has traded in his arrows for the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures, finding a fresh sense of purpose and enjoyment in this unexpected venture.
A Stellar Darts Career Left Behind
During his illustrious 15-year tenure on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit, Jenkins amassed an impressive record, including appearances in nine major finals and accumulating £1,356,973 in prize money. With 16 titles to his name, he was a formidable presence in the sport. However, in 2018, Jenkins made the decision to retire, citing the relentless travel and time away from family as key factors in his growing dissatisfaction.
"I was travelling around on my own all the time, and it is no fun being in an airport sat there on your own for hours on end," Jenkins revealed on the Tungsten Talk podcast. "In the end, we were going to Barnsley and Wigan every weekend, and I just got bored of it. I thought I need to pack it in and go back to doing my wheeling and dealing."
Finding Joy in the Antiques Trade
Since stepping away from darts, Jenkins has discovered a passion for antiques dealing, which he describes more as a hobby than a traditional job. He often works alongside his son, making the experience both enjoyable and rewarding. "We're wheeling and dealing all the time, me and my lad. It's good fun, really. I don't treat it as a job—it's more of a hobby," Jenkins explained.
He emphasized the unpredictability and excitement of the trade, noting that it contrasts sharply with the monotony of an office job. "You never know what's going to happen from day to day. These days it's good, clean, modern furniture—that's what people want. You never know what you're going to find."
Notable Successes and Surprising Finds
While not every venture yields a profit, Jenkins has had some remarkable successes in his new career. In one instance, he purchased a lamp for £25 at a car boot sale, which later sold at auction for approximately £2,200. He shared this story with the Modus Super Series Darts, highlighting the potential for substantial earnings in the antiques market.
Jenkins has also managed to blend his past and present professions by sourcing unique items for fellow darts players. For example, he found a tractor seat with Paul Nicholson's name on it and acquired a valuable China Flamingo for Peter Manley, which he bought for a tenner but was worth around £400. "I told him that as well. It cost me about a tenner in a car boot sale, but it was worth about £400. But I gave it to him and he didn't believe me. He googled it and then found out it was worth quite a lot of money," Jenkins recounted.
A Balanced Life with Occasional Darts Appearances
Although Jenkins has largely moved on from professional darts, he hasn't completely severed ties with the sport. He occasionally competes in events for the Amateur Darts Corporation (ADC), allowing him to maintain a connection to his roots while enjoying the flexibility of his new lifestyle. This balance has enabled him to pursue antiques dealing without the pressures of constant travel, fostering a sense of contentment that was missing during his later years on the tour.
Jenkins' story serves as an inspiring example of how athletes can successfully transition into new careers after retirement, finding fulfillment beyond the arena. His journey from darts champion to antiques dealer underscores the importance of adaptability and passion in shaping a rewarding post-sports life.
