In a startling and deeply personal revelation, former darts world champion Andy 'The Viking' Fordham has laid bare the terrifying extent of his alcohol addiction during the peak of his sporting career.
The 2004 Lakeside champion confessed to consuming a staggering 25 pints of lager per day as part of his pre-match routine, a habit that would have left most professionals unable to stand, let alone compete at the highest level.
Fordham's admission sheds a harsh light on the intense pressure and the deeply ingrained drinking culture that has long been associated with the world of professional darts.
A Routine Built on Alcohol
The athlete detailed his shocking daily regimen, which was built entirely around alcohol consumption. He described starting his day with a large glass of brandy upon waking, a practice he believed steadied his nerves for the high-pressure matches ahead.
This was merely the warm-up for a day of relentless drinking. Fordham would then proceed to drink pint after pint of strong lager, maintaining a constant state of inebriation that he felt was necessary for his performance on the oche.
The Physical and Mental Toll
The long-term consequences of this lifestyle were devastating. Fordham's health crumbled under the weight of his addiction. At his lowest point, his weight ballooned to a life-threatening 31 stone, placing an unimaginable strain on his body.
His confession goes beyond the physical, touching on the mental anguish and dependency that fuelled this cycle. It presents a grim picture of an athlete battling inner demons while performing in the public eye, using alcohol as a crutch to handle the spotlight.
A Wake-Up Call for the Sport
Fordham's harrowing story serves as a powerful wake-up call, prompting serious questions about the duty of care within professional sports. It challenges the romanticised notion of the 'party-hard' darts player and highlights the very real health crises that can fester behind the scenes.
His bravery in speaking out provides a crucial platform for discussing addiction, mental health, and the immense pressure shouldered by professional athletes, starting a conversation that is long overdue in the world of darts and beyond.
