British canoeist Kurt Adams Rozentals, 22, is in controversy after being suspended from Paddle UK‘s World Class Programme, jeopardizing his aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The suspension follows his creation of an OnlyFans account, a subscription-based platform often associated with adult content, which he started in January to supplement his limited athlete funding.

Financial struggles led to OnlyFans

Rozentals, who earned a silver medal in the C1 event at the 2023 World Under-23 Championships, has been part of Paddle UK’s elite training program, receiving an annual grant of £16,000.

He argues that this amount is insufficient to cover the costs of training, travel, and living expenses, especially given the high cost of living in London. “Trying to live on the salary Paddle UK pays their athletes is near impossible,” he stated on Instagram. “I was sick of worrying how to pay rent, I was sick of being on the verge of homelessness.”

To alleviate his financial burdens, Rozentals turned to OnlyFans, where he has reportedly earned over £100,000 since January.
He has posted 39 videos and more than 100 photos on the platform, which has garnered over 10,000 likes. His content, described as “edgy,” includes nude images sent directly to subscribers.

Suspension and investigation

Rozentals received a call from a Paddle UK representative in April informing him of his suspension from the second and final part of the GB team selections. He was also banned from communicating with his coach, staff, and teammates.

Paddle UK confirmed that an athlete is under interim action pending the outcome of an investigation, stating, “Paddle UK can confirm that in line with our Athlete Disciplinary Policy, an athlete on the canoe slalom programme is under interim action, pending the outcome of an investigation.” The investigation has been referred to the independent service Sport Integrity.

The governing body’s Athlete Disciplinary Policy lists “offensive use of social media” and “indecent, offensive or immoral behaviour” as examples of gross misconduct that could lead to de-selection. However, Paddle UK emphasized that the suspension is a “neutral act designed to protect all parties” and not a disciplinary action.

Emotional toll

Rozentals expressed his frustration and disappointment, stating, “This is the hardest decision that I’ve ever faced in my life.” He added, “To ban me from racing? To ban me from speaking to my teammates like I’m some criminal? That’s f**king insane.” He highlighted the sacrifices his family has made, noting that his mother works 90 hours a week and that they have faced financial hardships, including the threat of homelessness.

Rozentals remains suspended and unable to train or compete. He faces a difficult decision: continue his OnlyFans venture to maintain financial stability or cease his activities on the platform in hopes of reinstatement. “Unless something changes in the way athletes are paid, I don’t see a way of working with Paddle UK,” he remarked.

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