
Picture this: a world-class canoeist training for Olympic glory by day and building a spicy side hustle by night. That’s the reality for some athletes today, as more sports pros turn to OnlyFans to secure their financial future. It’s a move that’s got everyone talking - and not always in a supportive tone.
Kurts Adams Rozentals, a 22-year-old canoe slalom silver medalist at the Under 23 World Championships, is one of the bold names leading this charge. He’s juggling elite competition with adult content creation on the subscription platform, known mostly for its NSFW offerings. It’s a surprising pivot, but in a world where athletic funding often falls short, can you blame him for thinking outside the box?
This isn’t just a one-off story. The creator economy is becoming a legit lifeline for athletes facing economic uncertainty, and Rozentals is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s unpack how this trend is reshaping the sports world.
For Rozentals, the decision to join OnlyFans at the start of the year came with instant rewards - a cool £2,500 on his very first day. Growing up with little and struggling to make ends meet as a pro athlete, he saw the platform as a way out. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; he quickly learned that custom requests could get... let’s just say, creatively bizarre.
He’s not alone in this hustle. Cricketer Tymal Mills is using OnlyFans to share fast-bowling tutorials, proving the platform isn’t just about risqué content. Meanwhile, former rugby captain Chris Robshaw is also dipping his toes into this space, showing how athletes can leverage their fame for direct fan engagement - and some serious cash.
"I never thought I’d be here, but when you’re scraping by as an athlete, you’ve got to hustle where you can," Rozentals shared, reflecting on his bold career move.
Let’s keep it real - not everyone’s cheering for these athletes. The stigma around OnlyFans is thick, with raised eyebrows and judgmental whispers following every new name that pops up. Rozentals felt this firsthand when Paddle UK suspended him over his content, a reaction he expected but still found shockingly harsh.
Former speed skater Elise Christie knows this struggle too. After a tough exit from her sport, she turned to OnlyFans for stability and found a lifeline. She believes society is slowly shifting its perspective, much like reality TV normalized once-taboo topics. Isn’t it time we let athletes carve their own paths without the side-eye?
The tension is clear: while OnlyFans offers creative control and flexibility, traditional sports bodies often cling to outdated ideas of how athletes should behave. It’s a clash of old norms and new opportunities, and the debate is far from settled.
Financial freedom is a huge draw - just ask Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman, who reportedly raked in over £170,000 on the platform to fund her Olympic aspirations. That’s the kind of bankroll that can turn dreams into reality. For Rozentals, the choice is a no-regret zone, even with the societal pushback.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all story. While some athletes lean into adult content, others like Mills keep it family-friendly, showing the platform’s versatility. It’s all about connecting with fans on their terms, whether that’s through coaching tips or more personal shares.
So, where do we stand? As the conversation evolves, one thing is certain: athletes are rewriting the playbook on personal branding and income. Are we ready to root for this change, or will old-school expectations hold us back? Drop your thoughts - we’re all ears!