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Deta Hedman says friendship goes out of the window when she takes to the oche

Deta Hedman features in episode 30 of Sky Sports' My Icon series

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Deta Hedman says friendship goes out of the window when she takes to the oche

The 'Heart of Darts' Deta Hedman says it is pure tunnel vision every time she steps on to the oche to represent her country.

One of the most recognisable faces in women's darts, Jamaica-born Hedman moved to England when she was 14 and honed her skills playing with her brother.

Darts player by day and postal worker by night, Hedman made history at the 2005 UK Open when she defeated Aaron Turner, becoming the first woman to beat a man in a televised darts match.

The three-time World Championships runner-up has won more than 100 titles in her career and despite being 57 years of age, Hedman's passion for the game remains undiminished.

"When I put the England shirt on nothing else matters," Hedman says in episode 30 of Sky Sports' My Icon series.

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My Icon is a 31-part series on Sky Sports Mix, bringing you interviews with BAME sportsmen and women every day in October

"Obviously from the other countries you play, you have some very good friends but when you're playing for your country they're not your friends anymore. And it's the same vice-versa.

"I am really committed and focused when I play for England [and] being the captain of England Ladies at the moment I have to be there for the others.

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"When I'm in that team nothing else matters."

Hedman talks about her journey in the latest instalment of My Icon, which premieres on Sunday at 10.30am on Sky Sports Mix and is available On Demand.

Coinciding with Black History Month, Sky Sports' #MyIcon campaign brings you 31 exclusive interviews with top BAME sports personalities across the month of October. For more information click here.

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