BAN ON AFRO SWIMMING CAPS IS BEING RECONSIDERED AHEAD OF OLYMPICS
On the cusp of Olympic controversies, it was brought to light that the International Swimming Federation banned swim caps that are preferred by Black athletes with natural hair. FINA now says it will revisit its decision the swimming cap from being used in competition.
Soul Cap, the creators of the impeccable swimming gear spoke out after it said the governing body for water did not certify its’ caps for the Olympics.
“We hoped to further our work for diversity in swimming by having our swim caps certified for competition, so swimmers at any level don’t have to choose. Between the sport they love and their hair,” the company wrote on Instagram.
The news drew extreme backlash, resulting in FINA releasing a statement on Friday acknowledging the public outrage.
“FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage,” the statement reads. “FINA is currently reviewing the situation with regards to ‘Soul Cap’ and similar products, understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation.”
Danielle Obe, the founding member of the Black Swimming Association, spoke up about the systematic inequalities in the aquatic sport. “We believe that it confirms a lack of diversity in (the sport),” she said. “Aquatic swimming must do better.”
Comparatively, the original swimming cap was designed by Speedo 50 to prevent Caucasian hair from flowing into the face when swimming. Obe said the caps did not work for afro hair, which “grows up and defies gravity.”
The organization noted that the cap can still be worn in “recreational and teaching” settings and said it will reach out to the makers of the cap about the possibility of using it inside FINA development centers.
