The Golden Girl from a distinguished era of greatness – reflected aptly in her moniker – Trina Gulliver MBE is about to step onto the World Seniors Darts stage once again.
With her past and public battles against alcohol well and truly behind her, the lady with more titles to her name than a second-hand bookshop is hungry to add a few more to her résumé. Ahead of a busy week – first a women’s MODUS Super Series event, followed by her inclusion at the Champion of Champions – Darts World caught up with the legend for a quick chat:
“I’m very much looking forward to both. I feel my game is coming back slowly – a bit longer than I’d have liked, but it’s getting there. It almost feels like starting fresh again.”
Trina is, of course, referring to what she recalls as a near-death experience. After falling ill, she was admitted to hospital at the end of 2019:
“I spent the better part of a month there, fighting against cirrhosis of the liver, which almost proved fatal. My weight dropped to seven stone, and I underwent extensive rehab to fully recover. Thankfully, with the support of my family and well-wishers, I’m now in full recovery and over five years sober.”
It was a harrowing ordeal for the ten-time former world champion, but one that has given her a new perspective on the game:
“It’s all about enjoyment now. Of course, I still have that hunger and the desire to win things. But that’s no longer my priority. You need to strike the right balance, slow down, and find the lifestyle that suits you.”
First up is MODUS Super Series action, where Trina kicks-off on bright and early on Monday morning:
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great set-up they have there in the Live Lounge. The facilities for players are excellent, and they’ve got a great team who really look after you. As I get older though, I’m more susceptible to injuries and suffer a lot with my knees. Hopefully, I’ll get through it. My goal is to reach Finals Night on Saturday – ideally by topping the group and having a few days off to recover!”
Yep, Trina – that’s Father Time giving you a heads-up! It happens to us all, but not many can still chuck a dart as well as you can. Once the Super Series is done and dusted, the 55-year-old icon will meet up with some familiar faces at the World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions tournament. With Rob Thornton unfortunately having to pull out for personal reasons, Gulliver had to extend her travels:
“I’m so happy to be included. I know most of the guys from years on the circuit. There are a few new faces I don’t know as well, but all in all, they’re a good gang and old friends. We have a laugh and reminisce – it’s almost like a school reunion.”
With some of the biggest stars ever to grace the oche, Trina’s inclusion solidifies what looks like a Hollywood cast if they were making a darts movie. As a leading pioneer for the women’s game, the Warwickshire born chucker is delighted to see how it’s progressed and is now thriving:
“I think the standard is as high now as it’s ever been. Back in my day, we didn’t have social media platforms, and there wasn’t the same exposure for female darts as there is today. If we wanted publicity, it was through newspapers or radio.
“Now, look at the opportunities afforded to girls who want to take up the sport. Whereas I just had county and Super League, there’s now MODUS, which is a massive starting point for many. Plus, it’s beneficial to get used to playing in front of cameras and gaining solid stage experience. The WDF and ADC circuits are fantastic platforms too.”
Don’t try to get hold of Trina for the next several days. Not only will she be heading down to Portsmouth on Sunday – there’s a trip up to Bury in the grim north beforehand for Lisa Ashton’s daughter’s wedding. It’s go, go, go for the Golden Girl at the moment. Hopefully, it will end with silverware.
—–ENDS—–
Images: WSD
