Lausanne, Switzerland – A cap designed for Black swimmers’ pure hair that was banned from the Tokyo Olympics has been authorised for aggressive races.
Swimming governing physique FINA mentioned on Friday the Soul Cap was on its record of authorised gear.
“Promoting diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of FINA’s work,” government director Brent Nowicki mentioned in an announcement, “and it is very important that all aquatic athletes have access to the appropriate swimwear.”
The London-based Soul Cap model was designed bigger than present kinds to comprise and defend dreadlocks, weaves, hair extensions, braids, and thick and curly hair.
Last 12 months, British swimmer Alice Dearing was refused permission to put on a Soul Cap within the 10-kilometer marathon swim in Tokyo, with FINA suggesting the dimensions might create a bonus.
The furor at that call prompted an apology from the governing physique and a promise to evaluation the appliance.
Soul Cap welcomed the approval that has come multiple 12 months later as “a huge step in the right direction” in a sport that traditionally has had few Black athletes.
“For a long time, conventional swim caps have been an obstacle for swimmers with thick, curly, or volume-blessed hair,” the corporate mentioned. “They can’t always find a cap that fits their hair type, and that often means that swimmers from some backgrounds end up avoiding competitions or giving up the sport entirely.
“We’re excited to see the way forward for a sport that is turning into extra inclusive for the following technology of younger swimmers.”