Thursday 3 August 2017 14:21, UK
Wayne Mardle is against darts being included in the Olympics, saying the World Championship should always be the main event on the calendar.
The World Darts Federation are in the second stage of becoming a 'recognised sport' with the IOC, a requirement to get to the Games, but Sky Sports pundit Mardle believes that the Olympic programme should be reduced to exclude sports similar to darts - such as shooting and archery - rather than expanded.
"My view has always been no [to darts at the Olympics], I think the World Championship is what it's all about," said Mardle.
"So first off the Olympics would be secondary, and I also think the Olympics is for Olympians, it's for people who are born physically stronger, faster and better than normal human beings.
"Darts is a sport where, yes, you've got to have a lot of talent, but a lot of practice can get you there. If you're not born with the physicality of an Olympian you're never going to get there.
"[The Olympics] should be about how quick or strong you can be, not about hitting a target. The other sports like shooting and archery shouldn't be in there either."
While fellow pundit John Part, speaking during the World Matchplay Darts, which continues on Sky Sports Main Event and Action from 7pm on Friday night, agreed with Mardle.
"I'm with Wayne, I'm a purist and I'd love for the Olympics to get reduced in the number of events," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I'd love for darts to get some more exposure, but I like the main events, the 100m, the power lifting and that kind of thing."
Watch all the action from the World Matchplay Darts at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from 7pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action on Friday night, or watch for £6.99 without a contract on NOW TV. The arrows run right through until the final on Sunday, July 30.
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