Swim caps designed for natural hair have received official approval from the worldwide governing body for competitive swimming. Soul Cap protects thick, curly, braided, etc. Textured hair is often difficult to fit into ordinary swim caps. Last year, FINA rejected the cap’s use during the Olympics. They claimed that athletes competing on the world stage have “never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration,” according to The Associated Press.
In addition, the organization determined that a Soul Cap doesn’t “[follow] the natural form of the head,” a rule outlined in FINA’s requirements for approved swimwear. The ban sparked a conversation about the inclusivity and existing barriers within the competitive world of swimming.
Last year Danielle Obe, chair of the Black Swimming Association, told Sky Sports that “by and large, hair is a significant barrier to aquatics for many women especially and many people of color from our communities. So [the Soul Cap] should be considered a product that overcomes this barrier.”
FINA and the Soul Cap creators reevaluated last year’s rejection. “Promoting diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of FINA’s work, and all aquatic athletes must have access to the appropriate swimwear.” Many people were excited to hear the news, including British Olympic swimmer and Soul Cap ambassador Alice Dearing. Dearing is the first Black swimmer who represented Great Britain at the Olympic level last year. Furthermore, she was the co-founder of the Black Swimming Association in 2020.
“I know that many people value the option this cap brings them when going swimming. Knowing that it is acceptable to compete in this cap at the highest level of sport sends a message that hair should not be a barrier that stops people from participating,” Dearing said.
