A decision to ban the use of an extra-large swim cap designed specifically to protect dreadlocks, weaves, hair extensions, braids, and thick and curly hair in the Tokyo Games has spotlighted a lack of diversity in swimming. Alice Dearing, the first Black female swimmer on Britain’s Olympic team, uses and promotes the Soul Cap, but has been forbidden from wearing it.
Many decried the decision by FINA, which oversees international competitions in swimming. It said it will take another look at the cap later in the year. Black swimmers are hopeful it’s a step toward inclusivity for a sport dominated by white athletes.
FINA, which oversees international competitions in swimming, rejected the application from the British makers of the Soul Cap for use in the Tokyo Games, citing no previous instance in which swimmers needed “caps of such size and configuration”.
For people of colour, FINA’s decision was so much more than a ban on a swimming cap. Dismissing it represented yet another injustice.
Those familiar with the situation say the reasons for a shortage of Black swimmers run deep in history.
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Data source: Africa news