Black competitive swimmers have constantly been at a disadvantage due to swim caps that are not made to fit their hair. The founders of Soul Cap set out on a mission to change that narrative. After years of being banned from large-scale swim meets, the brand is proud to announce that it has finally been approved.
A Step In The Right Direction With Soul Cap
Swimming’s top governing body, FINA, now known as World Aquatics, has given Soul Cap, a UK-based brand, the green light to be used for large-scale events. This progressive step opens the door for more diversity in the swimming world. Back in 2021, the cap was banned from the Tokyo Olympics. FINA told Soul Cap that its swim caps could not be approved for use at competitions, including the Olympics, because it does not follow “the natural form of the head,” according to a report from BBC.
This caused an uproar among fans and many in the Black swim community. Along with an outcry all over social media, a Change.org petition was formed to help get Black swimmers worldwide, the justice they deserved.
Changing The Future
Although, the brand has now been approved, it still wants to focus on making change at a grassroots level. The hope is that the approval allows more swimmers of color to go farther in the sport than many previously have.
One Black UK swim teacher says that she has already begun to see an increase of swimmers in her program.
Seren Jones is the co-founder of the British-based Black Swimming Association. She says the Soul Cap helps her students.
“I teach water safety to nonswimmers and beginners,” she said in a phone interview with AP. “It’s absolutely incredible to see so many, really the majority of women across London, using the Soul Cap. I’m talking about women from the 20s to their 70s. It’s phenomenal. They feel empowered to learn and be safe in the water without worrying about their hair, which previously was a major issue.”
Jones does believe that progress on an international level won’t happen overnight.
“These things take time,” she said. “We still have a very long way to go. I’ve been on pool decks that look very much like they did when I was a swimmer 10 years ago. They are predominantly white. But there are more swimmers from different parts of the world taking this sport seriously. Let’s see how far they go.”
Give Soul Cap a Try
Soul Cap is the perfect option for novice or experienced swimmers who want to protect their hair while in the water. Give one a try!
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