Former British Olympic speed skater Elise Christie said she joined OnlyFans before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and still relies on income from the platform as she works towards greater financial stability. Christie, 36, said OnlyFans remains part of her income despite her desire to eventually stop using the platform.

According to a report by Sky Sports, she said that it helped her through a financially difficult period and currently helps keep her 'afloat,' although she does not see it as a long-term career. The former Olympian also said that some people stopped speaking to her because of her decision to join OnlyFans, while close friends supported her.

Christie Turns to OnlyFans After Financial Difficulties

Christie joined the platform following a turbulent period after her elite skating career ended. She said that the decision came before doctors diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. She noted that had she already known about her condition, she might not have made the same choice. She said that, nevertheless, the platform helped her during a difficult stage in her life and that she learned to use it in a way she was comfortable with.

Financial problems followed Christie's retirement from short-track speed skating in December 2021. In a February 2026 Sky Sports feature, she talked about working multiple jobs after leaving competition, including at Pizza Hut in Nottingham. She said that, at one point, she also held two jobs in Scotland at the same time with different shifts.

Christie said she works full-time but noted that her salary does not cover all of her outgoings. This makes her OnlyFans earnings an income source she is trying to reduce rather than immediately abandon.

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Retirement and Mental Health Struggles

Christie competed for Great Britain at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics and became one of Britain's most successful short-track speed skaters. At the 2017 World Championships in Rotterdam, she won the 1,000m and 1,500m titles as well as the overall world championship.

She became the first European woman to secure the overall world title. Christie retired at age 31 after suffering an ankle injury that disrupted her attempt to qualify for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Her Olympic experiences were considerably less successful than her World Championship career. Christie was disqualified from all three of her events at Sochi in 2014 and later received online abuse and death threats.

On top of these, injuries, crashes, and another disqualification affected her 2018 campaign in PyeongChang. Christie has since spoken publicly about depression, self-harm and the psychological effects of her sporting career and retirement.

After her retirement, Christie was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, prescribed medication and referred for psychotherapy. When asked during treatment what she had done the previous year and a half, she struggled to remember the period clearly.

What Is Bipolar Disorder and What Are the Symptoms?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by substantial changes in mood, including periods of unusually elevated mood known as mania or hypomania and periods of depression.

The National Health Service (NHS) said these episodes can last for days or weeks, while people may also experience lengthy periods when their mood is stable. Treatment can include mood-stabilising medication, talking therapies and ongoing support from professionals.

Symptoms during manic or hypomanic periods can include unusually high energy, irritability, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, excessive confidence and impulsive behaviour. Depressive episodes can involve persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep or appetite changes, social withdrawal and loss of interest in usual activities.

In severe cases, bipolar disorder can also involve psychosis, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should seek urgent professional support.

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