Frik Horn hones his darts talent
The 63 year old darts player tells of the sport he inherited a love of from his mother and what he has achieved within it.
![Frik Horn recently won gold at the SA championships held in Bloemfontein. Photo: Neo Phashe](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/08/Frik3_09527-e1724057129950-780x470.jpg)
As a child, Frik Horn would watch his mother play darts so well that she would eventually become a champion within the sport. Little did he know that years later, when he started playing darts, he too would became a champion.
Read more: Central Johannesburg Darts brings home the gold
He is a member of Central Johannesburg Darts, found at Marks Park Sports Club, and there is part of the A team. In the 80s, while at a different club, he achieved his national colours. However, in 1989 he had to stop playing the sport, due to complications with his legs. But, as he describes, he inherited the love of the sport from his mother, and it was this love that encouraged him to come back to it following Covid-19.
![Frik Horn takes darts off the board. Photo: Neo Phashe](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/08/Frik2_26164-e1724057197632.jpg)
His time away from the sport, all those years, did little to stop his natural abilities. He has qualified for the Gauteng Masters team for the past two years, and this year was part of the 2024 Gauteng Provincial Masters team where they took gold at the SA National Championships held in Bloemfontein. Those who know Horn, however, know that it’s his humility that has him seeing his success within the sport as just pure luck.
Also read: Local darts club looking for new members
“All the experience I gained all those years ago I just bring forward, and luckily I still have the skill, and I thank God for that.” He has taken part in many sports through the years such as boxing, athletics, rugby, and tennikoit, and describes himself as a big sportsman. But age now dictates what he can really do. “I am 63 years old now, and I cannot run around like once could. Though I may consider to do some lawn bowls.”
![Frik Horn has been playing darts since about 1984. Photo: Neo Phashe](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/08/Frik1_62000-e1724057182120.jpg)
In his opinion, darts keeps you on your toes. It needs you to have good eye/hand co-ordination and needs you to really know your maths. Along with the tactical aspects of the sport, Horn says it also requires you to find a partner that can pick up where you may fall short. He reckons though that he will play darts until his eyes, and the arm he was recently operated on, give him any challenges.
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