Matthew Mitcham, an ex-Olympic gold medal-winning diver, highlights the growing trend of athletes supplementing their income through OnlyFans. This online platform offers athletes a way to support themselves financially while leveraging the physical investments they’ve made in their bodies.
Athletes and the Need for a Side Hustle
British diver Jack Laugher, who has been in the news for earning money through OnlyFans, exemplifies this trend. Many people react prudishly to athletes showcasing their bodies, even though full-frontal nudity is usually not involved. Mitcham, who has been posting content on OnlyFans for 18 months, views it as a valuable means of supplementing his income. After dedicating countless hours and making sacrifices to their sports, athletes have earned the right to a side hustle.
Since Mitcham retired from diving in 2016, his income has slowed down. While he engages in corporate speaking and other roles, the earnings from OnlyFans help him stay afloat. He believes that after investing so much time and effort into maintaining his physique, it would be foolish to give away content for free.
The Practicality of OnlyFans for Athletes
Mitcham notes that athletes often deal with physical issues due to intense training. Thus, it makes sense to capitalize on their peak physical condition. Before joining OnlyFans, he carefully considered his decision and has yet to show any full-frontal nudity on his page. His philosophy is to share content that can be defended as artistic rather than obscene, avoiding any negative impact on mainstream opportunities.
The reality of sports is that only a small percentage of athletes achieve significant financial success. High-profile athletes might secure lucrative sponsorships, but many talented performers are left behind. This disparity, known as the “Federer effect,” sees a few famous names dominating sponsorship deals, leaving little for others.
The Financial Reality for Athletes
Returning to diving, Laugher, despite having an Olympic gold medal, competes with Tom Daley, who has captivated the British public for years. Laugher’s reported earnings of £28,000 from Team GB highlight the need for additional income sources. Mitcham recalls his fluctuating earnings as an athlete, dependent on performance at key events.
Mitcham has not directly discussed OnlyFans with Laugher but has advised Robbie Manson, a New Zealand rower who takes a different approach by sharing artistic nudes. OnlyFans’ financial structure allows creators to set a monthly subscription rate, with the platform taking a cut. With Laugher averaging 450 to 500 likes per post, it’s clear he is earning significantly more from his photographs than from his diving income.
Leveraging Social Media for Success
Success on OnlyFans requires effective marketing and regular content updates, and the advantage for Olympic and ex-Olympic champions is their larger following on social media platforms like Instagram and X/Twitter. Mitcham, with 50,000 Instagram followers, acknowledges that Laugher’s 300,000 followers give him a significant promotional advantage.
Despite the stigma attached to modelling on OnlyFans, Mitcham believes it shouldn’t affect an athlete’s mainstream appeal. Sharing tailored content with a specific group of supportive, liberal fans can be empowering. Athletes like Mitcham and Laugher are mavericks, challenging the traditional system and paving the way for others.
Joining Instafans for a Wider Reach
For athletes looking to expand their reach and maximize their earnings, joining Instafans offers a perfect solution. Instafans provides the tools and platform to keep your audience entertained and invested in your brand. Embrace the mavericks and change the game. Join Instafans today!
