Kurts Adams Rozentals, a leading British canoeist and Olympic hopeful, alleges he has been banned from competing and suspended from Paddle UK’s World Class Programme due to content he posted on his OnlyFans account. Rozentals, 22, who won silver medals at the 2023 Under-23 World Championships, says the governing body informed him in April that his social media posts described as “edgy” and linked to his adult subscription platform were the reason for his suspension and restrictions on communication with coaches and teammates.
Rozentals launched his OnlyFans account in January 2025 to supplement his modest £16,000 annual athlete funding, citing financial struggles and the high costs of training and living as a full-time athlete. He revealed he has earned over £100,000 from OnlyFans but now faces a difficult choice between continuing his online work and pursuing his Olympic ambitions.
Paddle UK confirmed an ongoing investigation and stated the suspension is an interim measure under their Athlete Disciplinary Policy, aimed at maintaining a safe and transparent environment. The organization did not specify the exact nature of the allegations but noted the investigation is being handled by an independent body, Sport Integrity.
Rozentals expressed shock and frustration, emphasizing that his OnlyFans content was a necessary means to fund his career and that he feels unfairly treated, describing the ban as “outrageous” and likening the restrictions to being treated like a criminal.
This case highlights tensions between athletes’ personal freedoms and governing bodies’ codes of conduct, raising questions about financial support for athletes and the boundaries of acceptable behavior in professional sports.