Wholesome reason behind Justin Hood’s ‘Happy Feet’ nickname explained – and it’s not about the film

Justin Hood is darts’ new cult hero and not just because of his ‘Happy Feet’ nickname.

The 32-year-old is having the time of his life during his debut World Championships appearance.

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And it’s fair to say the Alexandra Palace crowd have taken Hood to their hearts on his run to the Quarter-finals.

Monday’s 4-0 thrashing of Josh Rock has now thrust the unfavoured thrower into contention for the title.

The Glastonbury native made history against Rock by throwing 11 consecutive doubles – a new PDC record.

Hood has lit up the Championships so far with his endearing smile and facial expressions while seeming to take the pressure of the big stage in his stride.

Where did the ‘Happy Feet’ nickname come from?

That relaxed approach has worked wonders for him so far and may well be down to his nickname.

Hood is known on the circuit as ‘Happy Feet’ and while many will link the name to the 2006 family movie, the darts star cleared up the origin of the nickname and now it links to his darts career.

“When I was playing at county level, I didn’t have my black shoes so I had to borrow my mates who’s a size 13 and obviously I’m quite little,” Hood told talkSPORT on Tuesday.

“When I went up to the oche they looked like flippers.”

The movie depicts a tap-dancing penguin who departs on a journey across Antarctica to learn what is causing the local fish population to decline.

And Hood has since tapped into the movie links by dressing himself up in Happy Feet clobber during his wholesome walk on.

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Hood will no doubt be tap dancing on the Ally Pally stage should he stage a huge shock by winning the £1million prize in Saturday night’s final.

But first up for the emerging star is a meeting with two-time world champion Gary Anderson on Thursday afternoon.

Should he come through that test, Hood would go on to face the winner of Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen in the last four.

Does Hood believe he can win the world title?

Asked if he is daring to dream about winning the World Championships, Hood said: “Yeah, I back myself to win everything. Obviously, it doesn’t work like that, everyone up here is world class.

“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing. I’ll take everything in my stride, it won’t change who I am.

“It’s fun up there on that stage. Everyone chanting for you is an amazing experience.”

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Despite his excellent run to the quarter-finals, Hood is only just getting started and has backed himself to further improve in the latter stages.

“I wouldn’t say I’m in top gear but I’m playing well,” he added. “There’s still a lot more in there and hopefully it will come out.

“I never surprise myself. I know what I can do out there. I’m playing well but I can play better.”