🚨 Sports Shock: Team GB Canoeist Banned! 🚤
Kurts Adams Rozentals, a rising star in British canoeing, has been handed a two-year ban from competing and training. Why? He shared a video on Instagram showcasing a “sex act” performed on a plane. 😲
With over 109k followers, Rozentals’ public post landed him in hot water, as an independent disciplinary panel deemed his actions gross misconduct. 💔 The incident not only cost him his spot on the World Class Programme, supporting athletes vying for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics, but also a huge step back in his Olympic dream.
While the video was removed, Rozentals argued the punishment was “very extreme”. Speaking to BBC Sport, he questioned whether the lack of proper funding for athletes was a contributing factor. He claimed his social media earnings — over £100,000 from January to May via a subscription-based platform — were vital for funding his training, unlike the £16,000 yearly he received from Paddle UK. 💷
Despite acknowledging he probably wouldn’t post such content again, Rozentals expressed no regrets. The financial uplift allowed him to support his family and motivate his training efforts. “I saw a direct correlation between making those videos and improving my life situation. It’s a crazy world we live in,” he confessed.
Paddle UK stands firm on maintaining an open and respectful environment, asserting such action was necessary under their athlete disciplinary policy. 🚩
What are your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events? Should athletes like Rozentals re-evaluate their social media habits, or does funding bear a larger responsibility?
Sound off in the comments! ⚖️ #TeamGBCanoeist #SocialMediaImpact #SportsNews
📸 Check his insider life and training journey on Instagram: @kurtsadams