FINA has responded to backlash after it rejected caps designed for Black hair from competition sports.
FINA Is 'Reviewing the Situation' After Barring Soul Cap from the Olympics
UPDATE (July 6, 2021, 1:00 PM ET): The International Swimming Federation (FINA) is readdressing its denial of Soul Cap for use in competition swimming, according to a press release from the organization. "FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage," reads the release. "FINA is currently reviewing the situation with regards to Soul Cap and similar products, understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation."
As the statement reveals, FINA will also speak with the brand's manufacturer "about utilizing their products through the FINA Development Centers," a group of training facilities based in the United States, Russia, Senegal, and Thailand. “FINA expects to make its consideration of Soul Cap and similar products part of wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming, which is both a sport and a vital life skill," the organization states.
Allure has reached out to Soul Cap for further comment.
Soul Cap, a Black-owned line of inclusive swimming caps, has been denied certification for use in competitive swimming by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The brand, which provides comfortable swimming options for those with Afro hair, locs, braids, and other kinds of voluminous natural hair, will not be allowed during the 2021 Olympic games alongside lower-level competitions held by FINA, according to a report by Metro UK.
The certification was denied approval on the grounds that to their "best knowledge, the athletes competing at the International events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration," according to a press release from Soul Caps. Brand representatives also say the rejection also described the swim caps as unsuitable due to their shapes not "following the natural form of the head."
Soul Cap.
Courtesy of Soul CapIn response to FINA's denial, Soul Cap founders Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed issued a response, which can be found on the brand's Instagram. It reads as follows.
"We hoped to further our work for diversity in swimming through having our caps certified for competition, so swimmers at any level don't have to choose between the sport they love and their hair. 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. For younger swimmers, feeling included and seeing yourself in a sport at a young age is crucial. FINA's recent dismissal could discourage many younger athletes from pursuing the sport as they progress through local, county, and national competitive swimming.
Instagram content
View on Instagram
"This isn't just about the Olympics. This is also about the lower leagues of competition swimming — for swimmers at an age where feeling included is so pivotal in their development and goals. We don't see this rejection as a setback, but rather a chance to open up an important dialogue and make a bigger difference. The response and support around this issue has been phenomenal. We hope our story highlights the lack of diversity in aquatics and drives long-term change in sporting rules."
Allure reached out to FINA and USA Swimming for comment. Neither responded before time of publication. To learn more about Soul Cap and its mission, visit soulcap.com.
Now, see an Olympic figure skater's daily beauty routine:
This story originally appeared on Allure.
This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Condé Nast
