WHY NOT?
Why not? It really does feel like a good little motto to take into 2026, and I was reminded of it by an unlikely source.
It turned out to be the nickname of David Munyua. Who? A 30-year-old full-time vet from Kenya who made an extraordinary impact at the World Darts Championship.
I know more about darts than is probably healthy, but I must confess I didn’t know much about David Munyua until this year’s tournament. His opponent, highly ranked Belgian Mike De Decker, was expected to beat him easily. But on the big stage, David refused to lose a match so thrilling it made you grip on to a cushion. Two cushions!
As his unlikely story unfolded, the feelgood factor was a perfect antidote to winter blues. When when he shuffled along the oche to hit what looked like an impossible and vital bullseye, the Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) crowd lost their minds. They didn’t even know the backstory.
The first Kenyan to play in the World Championship, he had never travelled beyond Africa before. During darts practice (in his local pub after work), he is often interrupted mid-throw to dash out and treat animals. Not ideal preparation to take on elite players in a fiercely competitive sport full of experienced full-time professionals.
The crowd had already been treated to the victory of eccentric and wonderful Japanese player Motumu Sakei. 71-year-old Singaporean Paul Lim had won his first match too. In a sport enjoying unprecedented global popularity largely thanks to a British teenager. I’m no longer surprised by ‘unlikely’ new darts fans amongst people I know.
David’s remarkable win gave darts a sudden spotlight back in Kenya. The President and ambassadors in the UK were amongst those gripped along with darts fans across the globe. By the time he was beaten by Kevin Doets, he’d already provided an unforgettable contribution to the folklore of the sport.
My fables take on some major issues in sport and society, but a fellow author kindly pointed out at a book reading event that they end with hope, optimism and positivity. So it feels right to end my writing for the year in this vein. Why not?
Hoping 2026 brings us good things, and thank you for your support and interest.
Lee