Olympians Turn to OnlyFans to Bridge Funding Gap in “Broken” System

A growing number of Olympic athletes are turning to OnlyFans, the platform known for its adult content, to supplement their income and fund their athletic pursuits. This trend highlights the financial struggles faced by many Olympians and raises concerns about the adequacy of the current funding system.

Athletes like British diver Jack Laugher, who recently won a bronze medal in Paris, have found OnlyFans to be a financial lifeline. Laugher, who saw his sponsorships dwindle after the Tokyo Olympics, uses the platform to share non-explicit content, offering fans a glimpse into his training and personal life.

“For me, it’s been an absolute lifeline,” Laugher stated before being pulled away by a British team official, highlighting the sensitive nature of the topic.

Several other current and former Olympians, including rower Robbie Manson (New Zealand), pole vaulter Alysha Newman (Canada), and divers Timo Barthel (Germany), Diego Belleza Isaias (Mexico), and Matthew Mitcham (Australia), have also utilized OnlyFans to generate income.

Matthew Mitcham, the first openly gay Olympic gold medalist, revealed that he earned triple the amount he received as a top athlete by posting photos on OnlyFans, including semi-frontal nudes. He describes himself as a “sex worker-lite” and views his body as a valuable commodity that fans are willing to pay to see.

While some athletes shy away from labeling their OnlyFans activity as sex work, German diver Timo Bartel acknowledges the inherent connection between athleticism and the human body. “In sport, you wear nothing but a Speedo, so you’re close to being naked,” Bartel pointed out.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, has expressed little concern about the situation. IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated, “I would assume that athletes, like all citizens, are allowed to do what they can.”

This response has drawn criticism from organizations like Global Athlete, which advocates for athlete rights. Rob Koehler, Global Athlete’s director general, condemned the IOC’s funding model as “broken” and accused them of profiting off the backs of athletes while many struggle to afford basic living expenses.

“The majority of athletes can barely pay their rent, yet the IOC, national Olympic committees, and national federations that oversee the sport have employees making over six figures. They all are making money off the backs of athletes. In a way, it is akin to modern-day slavery,” Koehler stated.

While Olympic stars like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles can secure lucrative sponsorships, the majority of athletes face significant financial hurdles, including coaching fees, travel expenses, and medical bills.

OnlyFans has expressed support for the athletes using its platform, stating that it helps them “support training and living costs, and providing the tools for success on and off the field.”

The platform also highlighted other Olympians who utilize OnlyFans, including British divers Matthew Dixon, Daniel Goodfellow, and Matty Lee, British speed skater Elise Christie, and Spanish fencer Yulen Pereira.

Despite the financial benefits, athletes using OnlyFans often face societal stigma and judgment. However, some, like Matthew Mitcham, have embraced their experiences and advocated for a more open-minded perspective on sex work.

Mexican diver Diego Balleza Isaias, who joined OnlyFans to support his family and Olympic aspirations, expressed a different sentiment. “I firmly believe that no athlete does this because they like it,” he shared. “It’s always going to be because you need to.”

The debate surrounding Olympians using OnlyFans highlights the financial challenges faced by many athletes and raises questions about the responsibility of governing bodies like the IOC to provide adequate support. As more athletes turn to unconventional methods to fund their dreams, the conversation surrounding athlete compensation and the future of Olympic funding is likely to continue.

This situation underscores the need for a more equitable and sustainable financial model for Olympic athletes, ensuring they can focus on their athletic pursuits without facing undue financial burdens and societal pressures.