Takashi Aoyama/Getty ImagesSoul Cap submitted a request to the International Swimming Federation to allow its swim caps. These inclusive caps are made for swimmers with naturally Black hair styles and voluminous thick or curly hair.FINA ruled that caps shouldn't be worn to the "natural shape of the head" according to Priya Elan, The Guardian.The International Olympic Committee follows FINA's guidelines for all swimming events at Summer Games. Caps are not allowed in competitions in Tokyo.Soul Cap, a Black-owned business, stated in a statement that they hoped to promote diversity in swimming and have their swim caps certified for competition so that swimmers of all levels don't have the choice between their sport and their hair.Sky Sports spoke to Danielle Obe, Black Swimming Association chairwoman, about the ruling.Obe stated that this will impact young swimmers who may want to take up elite swimming. It will impact their decision, because hair is a major barrier to aquatics for women, especially those of color in our communities. This product should be considered to overcome this barrier.Swim England, the national sport's governing body, stated to Sky Sports that it would allow caps for competitions and training under its direction and would push for international clearance.Alice Dearing, who is the first Black female swimmer to represent Great Britain at the Olympics, has teamed up with Soul Cap in June 2020.Dearing stated, "Growing up I was blessed to be supported as I worked my path up to swimming for Great Britain." "But I also know that swimming has not always been accessible to those from minorities. I love increasing diversity in the water and Soul Cap and these new workshops will help to remove those barriers.The Tokyo Olympics swimming competition will begin on July 24.
