Gay British canoeist Kurt Adams Rozentals says his dreams of competing in the 2028 Olympics have been cut short after he was banned from competing on account of his OnlyFans content.
The 22-year-old, who competes in the individual canoe slalom, was previously part of Paddle UK’s World Class Programme, a lottery-funded initiative for aspiring Olympic athletes. However, BBC reports that the governing body suspended Rozentals in April due to unspecified “allegations” related to his social media accounts.
In a statement to the outlet, Paddle UK said that the canoeist’s ban was an “interim action,” designed “to protect all parties” and “safeguard other athletes, staff, and volunteers” as the organization conducts an independent investigation into Rozentals’ social media activity.
Paddle UK’s Athlete Disciplinary Policy includes “indecent, offensive, or immoral behavior” and “offensive use of social media” as examples of gross misconduct.
In a new May 29 interview with the BBC, Rozentals said that he believes he was penalized for starting an OnlyFans account back in January to help cover the cost of his training expenses. The site often hosts subscription-based explicit content, which Paddle UK may have deemed an instance of gross misconduct. He added that although each Paddle UK athlete receives an annual grant of £16,000 (roughly $21,545), it’s not nearly enough.
“I don’t know how much you need, but it’s certainly not £16,000,” Rozentals said. “When you have to cover rent, travel, food… and most athletes who train full-time are all living in London. They’re very fortunate to have parent-backing — I wasn’t.”
Since starting his OnlyFans account, he says he’s earned over £100,000 ($134,655).
“I came to the realisation about why I started [canoeing] last winter after years of struggle, years of living on the edge, my mum working 90 hours-a-week, having bailiffs at the door,” Rozentals said. “I’m going to find a way where we don’t have to struggle, where my mum can enjoy her life, and I’m able to put everything into this sport because when you’re thinking about how to pay rent this month and you’re standing at the start line, that’s not very conducive [to doing well].”
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The 22-year-old previously spoke out about getting banned by Paddle UK in an April 12 Instagram post, calling their decision “fucking insane.”
“I’m blessed to have a platform now. But this isn’t just about me anymore,” Rozentals wrote. “I’m speaking up for every person who’s been pushed aside for not fitting into someone else’s box. I’m speaking up for everyone punished for not sucking up to the system. Keep pushing. Keep working. And remember… you never needed the system to begin with.”
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