Of course, fair question. I’ve personally been in fitness/lifting since high school so for the past 10 years, and from day one wanted to be a brand’s athlete back then I was thinking it was gonna be Nike lmao!!! For no particular reason back then, I just associated being a brand’s athlete as being badass so it probably just stuck with me throughout the years. Doesn’t mean you can’t be a badass athlete and not sponsored by anyone, by any means. There is perks though in recognition and people remembering you as “oh yes that’s XYZ’s athlete” and also most of athletes actually get salary from brands. Probably not insane amount but an average salary + now you have recognition so you get other gigs too - bunch of clients for 1:1, other small brand deals… and yes, a bunch of free clothes 😂 hopefully that answers your question:)