British canoe slalom athlete Kurts Adams Rozentals faces suspension from the sport as he grapples with the implications of his OnlyFans account. Banned in April amid allegations linked to his social media presence, Rozentals has found himself in a precarious position, forced to choose between his Olympic aspirations and his adult content subscription service.
Competing under Paddle UK’s World Class Programme, which provides financial support of over $33,000 (£16,000) annually, Rozentals believes his entry into OnlyFans earlier this year has alienated him from the sporting community. He asserts that the income generated from his OnlyFans account, exceeding $200,000 since its inception, has been crucial for funding his Olympic journey and supporting his mother.
“Creating provocative content on Instagram was a strategic move to promote my OnlyFans page and finance my Olympic ambitions,” Rozentals explained to BBC Sport. He highlighted the unsustainable nature of the funding he receives from Paddle UK, stating that it falls significantly short of covering his living expenses, particularly in costly London.
Paddle UK has not disclosed specific details about the allegations against Rozentals but cited concerns over “offensive use of social media” and “indecent behaviour” that could warrant disqualification. The organisation characterised his suspension as an “interim action” intended to protect both the athlete and the integrity of the sport. An independent investigation through Sport Integrity has been initiated to delve into the matter.
While Rozentals is not the first athlete to turn to OnlyFans for income—Olympic gold medallist Jack Laugher did so in 2024—it marks a significant moment in the discourse surrounding athlete sponsorship and support. Rozentals reflected on his difficult upbringing, which has shaped his financial decisions. “I never had the luxury of parental support, and my mum worked tirelessly just to make ends meet,” he said.
Faced with the ultimatum of renouncing his OnlyFans account to maintain his position in the programme, Rozentals articulated the enormity of his predicament. “This is the hardest decision I have ever faced,” he shared. His commitment to alleviating his family’s financial burdens is profound, as he aims to concentrate fully on his sport without the distraction of financial insecurity.
As he weighs his options, Rozentals contemplates the realities of athletic funding in the UK and the ongoing challenges he faces in balancing financial stability with his passion for canoeing. His plight underscores a broader issue within the sporting community regarding adequate support for athletes, particularly those from modest backgrounds.