Authenticity significantly impacts athlete representation, particularly in terms of marketing and public perception. Authentic representation fosters a genuine connection between athletes and their audience, enhancing trust and engagement with fans. When athletes are seen as true to themselves, they resonate more with their followers, leading to stronger brand loyalty. Conversely, inauthentic portrayals can lead to backlash and damage an athlete's reputation. Thus, maintaining an authentic image contributes to an athlete's marketability and overall brand success, making it essential for both athletes and those representing them to emphasize genuineness in their public personas.