Gerwyn Price hits back at critics who warned darts star he’s ‘gone too far’ with body transformation

In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision meets power and mental fortitude reigns supreme, Welsh sensation Gerwyn Price—affectionately known as “The Iceman”—has always stood out. A former rugby enforcer from the rugged South Wales Valleys town of Markham, Price exploded onto the PDC scene in his late 30s, storming to the 2021 World Championship final, claiming the world No. 1 ranking, and hoisting major trophies like the Grand Slam of Darts and World Series of Darts Finals. But after a couple of lean years plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, the 40-year-old has staged a stunning comeback—not just on the oche, but in the mirror.

Over the past six to twelve months, Price has shed an incredible **three stone** (around 42 pounds), transforming from a hulking figure who squeezed into XL shirts to a lean, mean dart-throwing machine sporting mediums. The change didn’t happen overnight or through crash diets; it was a gritty, gradual grind amid the relentless PDC schedule. “While I’ve been playing I’ve been losing weight slowly and it’s been working,” Price revealed recently. “Just mentally, I feel a lot better in myself. When I’m putting a medium shirt on instead of an XL, it feels a little bit better. As long as I’m confident in myself and feeling better going up on stage, it can only help.”

The secret? Discipline in a sport where late-night finishes are the norm. European tournaments often wrap up at 10 or 11 p.m., leaving players ravenous and tempted by roadside fast food. Not Price. “Scrap that, I’ll have something decent in the morning,” he said. “Going to bed starving is hard work, but it works.” Owning his own fish and chip shop back home might seem like a cruel irony, but he’s turned it into motivation rather than a crutch. The result? A sharper focus, renewed energy, and darts results that scream resurgence. He’s now **topping the Players Championship Order of Merit** with **four titles** this season alone, fresh off a **Premier League weekly win in Dublin** that catapulted him to **second in the standings**. Bookies have him among the favorites for the **2026 World Championship**, starting late December.

But not everyone’s cheering. The transformation sparked a flurry of concern—and cheeky jabs—from darts insiders. Pundit **Damian Vlottes**, spotting Price at the European Championship in Dortmund, did a double-take: “I thought it was a kid in his shirt. There’s nothing left of him. You can’t really comment when someone’s overweight, so let’s be respectful when someone’s underweight too—but he’s lost a huge amount.”

Then came the zinger from former world champion and podcast regular **Vincent van der Voort**, who didn’t hold back: “He used to have a lot of muscle—he was massive. Now he looks like a kid! Pretty soon, he’ll be getting beaten up by **Bradley Brooks**. He used to be so broad, always in the gym, but he’s gone too far now. He really should put some weight back on—this isn’t good.” Van der Voort, ever the provocateur, softened it with a wink: “It’s not that I’m worried about him—for all I care, he can lose even more—but it’s meant as friendly advice. I’d tell him to eat a bit more. He owns a fish and chip shop, so that shouldn’t be a problem!”

Brooks, the 25-year-old ex-world youth champ name-dropped in the roast, wasn’t having it. He fired back swiftly: **”Should stick to commentary… Miles better at that than he was at darts👍”**

Price? He let his actions—and abs—do the talking. On Saturday morning, he dropped a **topless mirror selfie** from Fitness Factory gym on Instagram, flexing a chiseled torso that silenced the doubters. The caption? **”Concerned about my weight loss? Well don’t be, I feel and look better than ever.”**

This isn’t just vanity; it’s victory. Price’s overhaul mirrors a broader trend in darts, where fitness is evolving from optional to essential amid grueling 100+ event calendars. From **Luke Humphries**’ yoga routines to **Michael van Gerwen**’s gym grind, players are prioritizing longevity. For Price, it’s personal redemption. After walking out of the 2023 Worlds in ear defenders amid crowd noise woes, he’s reclaimed his ice-cold edge.

As the Premier League rolls on and majors loom, expect “The Iceman” to keep chilling opponents—lean, mean, and unbreakable. Critics can talk, but the scoreboard doesn’t lie. Gerwyn Price is back, buffer than ever, and loving every shredded minute of it.

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