Olympian Finds Financial Freedom on OnlyFans

From Struggling Athlete to Mentor, the Rise of Alternative Income Streams for Olympic Stars

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The financial realities for many Olympic athletes are undergoing a dramatic shift, with some turning to platforms like OnlyFans to supplement their income and secure their futures. The story of speed skater Alex Ianculescu highlights this trend, as she was able to invest in better training resources and focus solely on her athletic pursuits after finding success on OnlyFans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

This shift reflects a broader trend of athletes exploring non-traditional revenue streams, as even Olympic champions in less-popular sports often struggle to secure adequate funding. The rise of platforms like OnlyFans offers a new avenue for athletes to monetize their personal brand and physical fitness, challenging traditional norms around athlete funding and sponsorships.

The details

Ianculescu's experience - working three jobs while training for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics - is far from unique, as the financial burden of training, travel, and equipment can be overwhelming, especially in sports that don't attract substantial mainstream attention. Ianculescu discovered OnlyFans during the pandemic, after relocating to the Netherlands and facing unemployment. Her success on the platform, reaching the top 0.06% of creators, allowed her to invest in better training resources and focus solely on her athletic pursuits. She now actively mentors other athletes, sharing her knowledge of how to navigate these platforms effectively.

  • Ianculescu relocated to the Netherlands and faced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Ianculescu discovered OnlyFans and found success on the platform, reaching the top 0.06% of creators.

The players

Alex Ianculescu

An Olympic speed skater who has found financial success on the OnlyFans platform, allowing her to invest in better training resources and focus solely on her athletic pursuits. She now mentors other athletes on how to navigate these alternative income streams.

Lisa Buckwitz

A German bobsledder and 2018 Olympic gold medalist and 2024 World Championship winner who has also created an OnlyFans account to help cover the approximately €50,000 annual cost of running her team.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Ianculescu is currently training for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics in cycling, demonstrating her continued dedication to athletic competition.

The takeaway

This shift reflects a growing acceptance of platforms like OnlyFans as legitimate means of financial support for athletes, particularly those in less-publicized sports, and a recognition that they must be resourceful in securing their futures.