June 6, 2023
2023 Rewind: Out Olympic Rower Robbie Manson Heads to OnlyFans
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 4 MIN.
This piece is part of EDGE's 2023 Rewind series. We're reaching into our archives and sharing some of our favorite stories from the past year.
New Zealand Olympic rower Robbie Manson, who is openly gay, has announced in an Instagram post that he's now on OnlyFans.
In a similar essay posted on LGBTQ+ athletics news site OutSports, Manson urged readers not to "jump to conclusions" – the content he posts, in line with his "previous experiences with nude photoshoots," will be "tasteful and artistic."
"It's been quite a journey for me since my last international race four years ago, and I'm excited to share the details of my comeback and the unexpected path I've taken on OnlyFans," Manson wrote on the gay sports news site.
Recalling how the Tokyo Olympics were postponed due to COVID – a blow to the world-class rower after years of training – Manson explained that "It was a defining moment that made me reassess my priorities. Burnout had taken its toll after 15 years of nonstop rowing, and I knew it was time to prioritize my mental health."
After retiring from competitive rowing, Manson tried out different pursuits, but, he wrote, "I recently made a decision that some may find surprising: I joined OnlyFans." His essay contained another surprise – He's preparing for another Olympic bid. "As I embark on this exciting chapter of my rowing career, my sights are set on the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, in September and ultimately qualifying for the Paris Olympics next year," Manson revealed.
Keen to ensure there were no misunderstandings, Manson wrote, "Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify. My content on the platform is anything but adult entertainment. I promise no explicit content or shenanigans, just a fun and playful space where I can express myself creatively and promote body positivity, sensuality and self-acceptance."
"It's a space where I can authentically express myself through tasteful and artistic means," Manson went on to say. "Drawing from my previous experiences with nude photoshoots and cheeky Instagram posts, I found a potential way to generate the financial support needed to fuel my Olympic dreams. After all, training for the Olympics requires dedication, hard work and, let's be honest, financial support."
Reiterating that his "OnlyFans content aligns with my values and the artistic expression that has always been a part of my journey," Manson stated that the content he posts will be "a celebration of the human form, sensuality and self-expression. I take pride in creating content that is both intriguing and respectful, offering my fans something worth following."
Check out some of Manson's Instagram posts below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
