Fina has licensed a swimming cap designed for athletes with herbal black hair, a 12 months after it used to be banned from the Olympic Games.
The International Swimming Federation’s choice in June final 12 months to bar the Soul Cap from use on the Tokyo Games – a call based totally partly at the cap “not following the natural form of the head” and the governing frame pointing out that “athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require … caps of such size and configuration” – brought on outrage, with the Federation apologising and promising a evaluation of the verdict.
Soul Cap had been invited to reapply for a spot on Fina’s licensed checklist of aggressive swimming wear, and on Thursday the corporate printed that software have been a success.
“This result plays a huge part in our wider mission to improve inclusion in the sport,” Toks Ahmed, the co-founder of Soul Cap, advised the Metro. “We’re so grateful to everyone who showed support and was part of creating this major change. As a new father and someone who didn’t learn to swim growing up, creating access for the next generation feels even more close to home.
“We’ve seen what community and collective energy can achieve, so we’re hopeful to keep knocking down more of these barriers.”
The corporate, which has labored in partnership with the British Olympic open water swimmer Alice Dearing, stated it have been an extended highway to acceptance.
“For a long time, conventional swim caps have been an obstacle for swimmers with thick, curly, or volume-blessed hair,” stated Soul Cap in a commentary. “They can’t always find a cap that fits their hair type, and that often means that swimmers from some backgrounds end up avoiding competitions, or giving up the sport entirely.
“We want to see swimming become an accessible sport, with equipment and swimwear that lets anyone get involved and see success.”
