Cameron Menzies, Scottish darts player, sheds weight and embraces fitness after medical issues

Health scare prompts change

Menzies needed medical attention during his World Matchplay match against Ross Smith and was unable to continue. He told BBC Scotland that the board seemed to spin and he felt unwell.

After drinking water, his symptoms eased. Venue staff kept him there until they were satisfied, and he went to Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary the next day for blood tests, which showed high blood pressure and dehydration.

Menzies said the day was warm and he had television work to do, and that he had not taken good care of himself. He now makes sure to drink more water.

Five stone lost

Menzies said his heaviest weight was 21-and-a-half stone. Looking back at photographs, he said he had not realised how much weight he had gained. He was advised to lose weight before taking tablets. Menzies said his weight had fallen to a level where medication was no longer needed.

Recovery and strong season

Eleven months after a hand injury, Menzies appears to have recovered and has had a solid season, winning two PDC ProTour titles this year. He said that at the start of the year he feared the injury might end his career because he had no feeling in his hands after surgery.

Menzies said he was fortunate to still be playing at a good level. He also sees a wider change in darts, predicting more players will look like sportsmen.

Managing emotions on the oche

Menzies had often struggled to control his emotions while playing, which he said held back his talent. He now uses support from a sports psychologist. The treatment includes hypnotherapy recordings that he listens to at night. Menzies said the psychologist speaks to his subconscious, repeating the same material as he goes to sleep.