Swimming caps designed for natural black hair won’t be allowed at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, with the sport’s world governing body saying they are unsuitable because they do not ‘following the natural form of the head.’
Critics have slammed the decision as racist, with one calling it an ‘example of the whiteness of swimming.’
The British brand Soul Cap sought to have its products officially recognized by FINA, but its application submitted last year was rejected. The company makes extra-large caps designed to protect thick, curly and voluminous hair.
The caps were barred by FINA on the grounds that to their ‘best knowledge, the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration.’
FINA described the swim caps as unsuitable due to them not ‘following the natural form of the head.’
Swimming caps designed for natural black hair won’t be allowed at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, with the sport’s world governing body saying they are unsuitable due to them not ‘following the natural form of the head’ (Pictured: Alice Dearing with Soul Cap)
The Soul Cap was designed for natural black hair, with very few designs on the market
The cap is able to wrap around hair in a way that traditional swim caps are not capable
The Switzerland-based governing body said Friday that it is currently reviewing the situation with Soul Cap and similar products while ‘understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation.’
FINA said in the statement that it is committed to ensuring all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for competition as long as such swimwear doesn’t provide a competitive advantage.
‘We don’t see this as a set back, but a chance to open up a dialogue to make a bigger difference in aquatics,’ Soul Cap co-founders Toks Ahmed-Salawudeen and Michael Chapman tweeted. ‘A huge thanks to all who have supported us and our work so far.’
The men founded the company in 2017 after meeting a woman with natural black hair who struggled with her swim cap. According to the company’s website, it has shipped over 30,000 swim caps to customers worldwide.
‘For younger swimmers, feeling included and seeing yourself in a sport at a young age is crucial,’ Ahmed-Salawudeen said in an online post. ‘There’s only so much grassroots and small brands can do – we need the top to be receptive to positive change.’
Soul Cap released a statement after the decision, expressing their disappointment with FINA
Alice Dearing, who will compete in marathon swimming in Tokyo as the only black swimmer for Britain, endorses the company’s caps.
Alice Dearing, who will compete in marathon swimming in Tokyo as the only black swimmer for Britain, endorses the company’s caps
‘People used to tell me my hair was “too big” for the cap – never that the cap was too small for my hair,’ she said in a blog post on the company’s website.
Dearing is also the founder of the Black Swimming Association. This will be her first trip to the Olympics and she will be the first black female swimmer to represent the UK at the Olympics.
Danielle Obe, a founding member of the Black Swimming Association, told the Guardian that the ruling is a reminder of the bias that remains in the sport.
‘We believe that it confirms a lack of diversity in [the sport],’ Obe said. ‘Aquatic swimming must do better.’
Obe added, ‘We need the space and the volume which products like the Soul Caps allow for. Inclusivity is realising that no one head shape is “normal.”‘
Many more also sounded off on the decision on Twitter, including American Olympic legend Michael Johnson.
He tweeted, ‘Let me get this straight. @fina1908 banning this cap because “it doesn’t conform to natural curvature of the head” HTF are you supposed to fit a cap that does that if you have thick long curly hair? Come on! Do better!’
Ushser Komugisha, a sports journalist, tweeted, ‘In the latest chapter of institutional racism in the world of sport, FINA – the world swimming governing body has denied the approval of Soul Cap swim caps produced to suit Afro hair saying that “to the best of their knowledge, athletes don’t require caps of such sizes.”‘
Matthew A. Cherry, director of Oscar-winning short Hair Love, also tweeted support for Soul Cap.
FINA pointed out Friday that there is no restriction on Soul Cap usage for recreational and teaching purposes. It said it appreciates the efforts of the company and other suppliers in making sure people have a chance to enjoy the water.
FINA said it would speak with Soul Cap officials about using the company’s products at its development centers located in Dakar, Senegal, and Kazan, Russia.