In the high-octane world of professional darts, where precision trumps power and a steady hand can turn a 180 into legend, one might forgive the elite throwers for skipping the gym in favor of endless practice sessions. But leave it to Sky Sports darling Emma Paton—a former 400-meter track star turned darts broadcasting sensation—to flip the script. With the 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy heating up in Budapest’s MVM Dome, Paton decided to inject some literal sprint into the conversation. In a lighthearted segment that’s already buzzing across fan forums and social feeds, she rounded up ten of the PDC’s biggest names and ranked them on their hypothetical prowess in a 400-meter dash. It’s a whimsical detour from bullseyes to bends, pitting the likes of world champion Luke Humphries against the towering Michael van Gerwen in a race that’s equal parts fantasy and fitness exposé.
Paton, whose own athletic pedigree includes pounding the track in her university days before trading spikes for microphones, knows a thing or two about speed and stamina. Since taking the helm of Sky’s darts coverage in 2020, she’s become the effervescent face of the sport, blending sharp insights with infectious energy that makes even the most nail-biting leg feel like a party. “Darts isn’t just about the arm—it’s the whole body in sync,” she quipped during the segment, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she envisioned these arrow-slinging icons trading their flighted darts for starting blocks. Filmed amid the pre-tournament hype, the ranking exercise served as a palate cleanser before the real arrows fly on Sunday, reminding fans that beneath the steely focus of these pros lies a surprising spectrum of physicality. From gym rats to self-confessed sofa surfers, Paton’s list peels back the layers, revealing how the oche’s warriors might fare when the finish line demands lungs of steel and legs of lightning.
Topping the podium with gold-medal swagger was none other than Humphries, the reigning world No. 1 whose cool-as-ice demeanor hides a fitness regime that’s the envy of the tour. Paton didn’t mince words: “I’m going to put Humphries at one.” She elaborated with a nod to his disciplined lifestyle, adding, “He is fit and fully focused.” It’s easy to see why—Humphries, fresh off a gritty 6-4 second-round win over Nathan Aspinall in Budapest, credits his edge to a regimen of cardio and core work that keeps him sharp through grueling 19-leg marathons. At 30, the Berkshire Bullet has transformed from a promising talent into a teetotal titan, shedding weight and stacking silverware. In this imagined sprint, he’d blaze around the track, his long strides eating up the straightaways while rivals gasp in his wake. Fans are already meme-ing it: Humphries crossing the line, dart in hand, as if checking out a double 20 mid-stride.
Nipping at his heels in second was Gerwyn Price, the Welsh Iceman whose rugby-honed physique screams track-ready. Paton highlighted his “athletic build,” painting a picture of the 40-year-old powerhouse churning through the turns with the ferocity that once saw him bulldoze opponents on the oche—and now, perhaps, on the cinders. Price, who cruised to a 6-2 victory over Richard Veenstra on Saturday, embodies the crossover athlete: a former professional kicker whose explosive power translates seamlessly from set pieces to checkouts. Third place went to Chris Dobey, the Newcastle thrower whose unassuming frame belies a surprising burst of speed. “I think Dobs has got a bit about him actually,” Paton mused, chuckling at the underdog vibe. Dobey, known for his marathon stamina in long formats, could well surprise in a flat-out dash, his recent form—including a semi-final run at the World Grand Prix—hinting at untapped reserves.
The middle pack brought some star power with a twist. Fourth spot landed with teenage phenom Luke Littler, whose raw power Paton couldn’t ignore. At just 18, the “Nuke” from Warrington demolished Joe Cullen 6-1 in the Hungarian second round, averaging a blistering 94.5. His explosive 180s suggest legs built for bursts, though Paton tempered her praise with a wink to his youth: still growing into that frame, but already a force. Joe Cullen slotted in fifth, “landing neatly in the middle,” as Paton put it—a fair shake for the stocky Yorkshireman whose steady second-round exit belies a grounded, no-frills athleticism. Sixth was Jonny Clayton, the Ferret from Wales, who drew a sympathetic sigh from the host: “Sorry Jonny, I don’t think you’re going to do very well over 400.” Clayton, ever the affable grinder with a 6-3 win over an opponent earlier in the week, laughed it off in a recent interview, joking that he’d rather “throw for glory than run for it.”
The backmarkers added the laughs. Seventh for Rob Cross, the Voltage, got scant love from Paton—his stocky build more suited to powerlifting than pure pace, though his 2022 UK Open triumph proves he’s no slouch under pressure. Eighth went to Stephen Bunting, the reigning Masters champ, whose portly presence didn’t scream sprinter; Paton offered a polite shrug, noting his on-stage charisma far outpaces any track potential. Then came the comedy gold: ninth for the mighty Michael van Gerwen, the Green Machine whose 6-2 grind past Matthew Dennant masked a less-than-aerodynamic frame. At 36, MvG’s three world titles and endless 100+ averages come from wrist flicks, not fleet feet—Paton’s low ranking elicited groans and giggles alike. And bringing up the rear in tenth? Aspinall, the Stockport assassin, prompting Paton’s hilarious backpedal: “Oh my god, I can’t believe Nathan’s my 10. Sorry! Actually, maybe I would’ve put him first. Oops.” The world No. 2, whitewashing a qualifier 6-0 before falling to Humphries, is a gym devotee with a boxer’s build—Paton’s flip-flop only amplified the fun, as fans speculated he’d surge from the pack like one of his rapid-fire checkouts.
This trackside tomfoolery isn’t just filler; it’s a clever nod to the evolving athletic demands of modern darts. Gone are the days of beer-bellied throwers puffing through finals—today’s stars, from Humphries’ yoga flows to Price’s weight sessions, treat the oche like an endurance event. Paton’s rankings, born from years ringside and her own track scars, spark debates: Could Littler’s youthful zip outrun Dobey’s grit? Would van Gerwen’s sheer will power a late surge? As the Hungarian Trophy barrels toward its climax—with Humphries eyeing a quarter-final rematch against old foe van Gerwen—the segment has fans dreaming bigger. Imagine it: a PDC Athletics Challenge at Ally Pally, complete with 100m dashes and relay checkouts. “It’d be chaos—and I’d commentate every lap,” Paton teased, her laughter echoing the sentiment. In a sport where milliseconds matter, Paton’s sprint rankings remind us: even dart wizards have legs, and on the right track, anyone can steal the show.
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