An Olympic committee is catching flack for banning swim caps designed by a Black-owned company for athletes with natural hairstyles.
The Federation for International Water Sports Competitions (FINA) banned the oversized swim caps due to the cap’s unusual size which “does not follow the head’s natural form.”
SOUL CAP’s oversized swimwear are designed for athletes with afros, dreadlocks or braids extensions, which may not fit under traditional swim caps.
Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed, the founders of SOUL CAP, expressed their disappointment and questioned the sport’s equality and inclusivity.
The entrepreneurs say they designed the caps after meeting a Black woman who was “struggling with the size of her swim cap.”
They claim the Olympic committee’s decision may discourage young Black swimmers from seeking a career in swimming.
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