Darts Star Polly James Confronts Critics of Her Neck Tattoo
Polly James, a prominent presenter and DJ for Sky Sports, recently shared her experiences with critics regarding her neck tattoo. Despite facing online negativity, the 38-year-old from Cardiff remains unfazed and focused on her career. Her distinctive rose tattoo stretches across her upper chest, shoulder, and neck, drawing mixed reactions from fans.
Polly James: Rising Star in the Darts World
Polly James has established herself as a leading figure in sports broadcasting. She notably covers major darts events, including the Darts World Championship at Alexandra Palace. This year marked a significant rise in her visibility as she conducted several interviews with Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) athletes.
Handling Online Criticism
James addressed the negative comments about her appearance, saying, “I do get a lot of criticism about the neck tattoo, but it goes over my head.” She emphasized that while she can handle personal attacks, critiques about her work hit harder. “Please don’t criticize my work, because that really hits hard,” she added.
From Fan to Professional
Her journey into the darts scene began 16 years ago when she first attended Ally Pally as a spectator. Initially, James struggled with merging her passion for darts with a career in sports media. She shared, “The first time I started working at the darts, I didn’t know if I wanted to mix pleasure with work.”
In 2019, James began conducting post-match interviews for the Premier League, which led to her current role at Sky Sports just one year later. She appreciates the connection she has with the athletes, stating, “I really like the rags to riches story in sport,” recognizing the hard work behind their success.
Connecting with the Darts Community
Polly views her role as a privilege and acknowledges the diverse crowd that darts attracts. “You’ve got grandma and grandpa sitting together, and then a group of 20-year-old lads. You don’t get that at any other sports,” she remarked. Her dedication to the sport reinforces her identity as both a fan and a professional.
Life Beyond Darts
Beyond her work, James looks forward to continuing her relationship with the sport she loves. “I grew up with it, I enjoyed it, I clicked with it, and now I can’t ever see it not being in my life,” she concluded.