Numerous Olympic aspirants are competing in all-black, unmarked athletic attire.

• The Unsponsored Project by Bandit Running supports thirty-five athletes, who are part of an initiative to challenge the traditional sponsorship model and promote up-and-coming competitors.
• According to cofounder Tim West, Bandit's deals include a built-in release clause that enables athletes to easily exit the agreement if they receive a traditional sponsorship offer during the trials.
• The cost of participating in the Olympic trials, including training, travel, lodging, and attire, can be prohibitively expensive.

This year, at the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials, a multitude of unsupported athletes are drawing attention, wearing all-black, brand-free clothing.

Bandit Running's Unsponsored Project supports 35 athletes, aiming to challenge the traditional sponsorship model and promote emerging competitors.

Instead of purchasing their own apparel with brand emblems, unsponsored athletes in track and field would typically wear all-black kits and warmups provided by Bandit Running. Additionally, Bandit Running offers short-term endorsement deals to Olympic hopefuls.

Bandit co-founder Tim West announced that the company is providing at least 35 two-week deals for unsponsored runners at the trials, which serves as a gateway to the four-year U.S. Olympic Games. These deals include unbranded apparel, a platform, and cash to cover expenses. In the previous year, Bandit partnered with nine athletes.

West stated to CNBC that he hopes for a new sponsorship model where brands allocate a portion of their budget to support amateur and sub-elite athletes, which will help grow the sport. He believes that uplifting the bottom will push everything up.

West stated that Bandit's deals contain a release clause, enabling athletes to easily exit if they receive a traditional sponsorship offer during the trials.

Brands can capitalize on the opportunity presented by unsponsored athletes who are "investing in themselves" at high prices, as stated by West.

The all-black, logo-free kits can help identify which athletes are open to a long-term agreement.

Among them is Courtney Okolo, a 400-meter runner.

Okolo, 30, who won a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and was sponsored by for four years, is now embracing the Unsponsored Project. She said that competing without a sponsorship can be challenging, but Bandit's initiative makes it feel like she isn't doing it alone.

Even though Okolo has been able to pace herself financially through her previous sponsorship, she pointed out that showing up to compete in the trials is still expensive.

"According to Okolo, many athletes face a significant challenge in balancing their athletic careers with their financial needs. While they may continue to perform well, the time and resources required for training can make it difficult to maintain a full-time job and support themselves financially. As a result, athletes often have to make a difficult choice between their athletic and financial pursuits."

Brandee Johnson, 26, has been working multiple jobs and a side gig while training intensely to achieve her Olympic dreams. Despite being unsponsored, Johnson qualified for the Olympic trials this year.

Johnson stated that she joined the Unsponsored Project as an alternative means to achieving her objective, while also aligning herself with a project that has a positive impact on people's lives.

Johnson stated, "Being more comfortable and taking a deep breath helps me feel confident and capable of success, knowing that I have everything I need."