The International Swimming Federation rejected the ‘Soul Cap’ as it does not “fit the natural form of the head”
A swimming cap design that has been created specifically for natural Black hair will not be allowed to be used by competitors at the Olympics this summer.
The swimming caps are made by Soul Cap, a company that has previously partnered with Alice Dearing, who recently qualified for the games this summer to become the first Black female swimmer to represent Team GB at an Olympics.
However, the hats have been rejected by the International Swimming Federation (Fina) because they do not fit “the natural form of the head.” Fina added that to their “best knowledge the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require … caps of such size and configuration.”
Speaking to the Guardian, the founding member of the Black Swimming Association, Danielle Obe, said that the decision underlined the systemic and institutional inequalities around the sport.
She told the paper: “We believe that it confirms a lack of diversity in (the sport).
“Aquatic swimming must do better.”
The original swimming cap was designed by Speedo 50 to prevent hair from flowing into swimmers’ faces when swimming. But Obe said these caps do not work for Afro hair, which “grows up and defies gravity.”
She said: “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.'”
Swimming caps for Afro and Black hair do exist, but they are difficult to find, as Obe points out.
“If I walked into my local health club, gym or leisure centre, could I readily pick up one of these (swim caps for afro hair)? No,” said Obe. “Can I walk into a general retail store like Asda, Tesco or Sports Direct and pick one up? No.”
According to Swim England, only 2% of regular swimmers are Black. Research conducted by the body found that 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children in England do not swim. This figure drops slighting to 79% for Asian adults and Asian children, with Black children three times more likely to drown that white children.
In response to Fina’s decision to ban the use of the swimming caps, the founders of Soul Cap released a statement on Instagram.
It reads: “For younger swimmers, feeling included and seeing yourself in a sport at a young age is crucial. Fina’s recent dismissal could discourage many younger athletes from pursuing the sport as they progress through local, county and national competitive swimming.
“We feel there’s always room for improvement, but there’s only so much grassroots and small brands can do – we need the top to be receptive to positive change.”
