The International Swimming Federation (FINA), a global ruling body for competitive swimming, has barred swimming headwear by black-owned brand, Soul Cap.
The company's inclusive swimming caps, which are made for voluminous hair - more specifically, black swimmers who don Afros, dreadlocks and so on - will not be permitted at the Olympics, and any other competitions recognised by the organisation. This comes after Soul Cap formally applied to have their product certified to wear for competitive swimming.
According to UK media outlet Metro, FINA barred the swimming caps on the grounds that “athletes competing at the International events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration”.
A spokesperson from Soul Cap told Quartz that they had sent a variety of sizes to FINA and were quickly rejected.
“We were actually rejected on registration, which meant we couldn’t even appeal their decision.”
The company also took to their Instagram page to share their sentiments on the issue.
“How do we achieve participation and representation in the world of competition swimmers, if the governing body stops suitable swimwear being available to those who are underrepresented?” they wrote.
“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.”
FINA hasn't yet released a statement on the matter.
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