Swimming caps designed to suit Afro hair have finally been approved for use in the after the 2021 Olympic ban.
The long over-due change was made by the Fédération Internationale De Natation (FINA).
The SOUL CAP has provided a solution for those athletes whose hair doesn't match the 'one size fits all' bracket.
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The sports federation previously thought SOUL CAP was not 'following the natural form of the head'.
FINA believed that 'the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration', Metro reports.
Following backlash from the swimming community, the federation has changed their mind and have approved the inclusive swimming cap range.
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Brent Nowicki, Executive Director at FINA, told the publication: "This announcement follows a period of review and discussion on cap design between FINA and SOUL CAP over the past year.
"Promoting diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of FINA’s work, and it is very important that all aquatic athletes have access to the appropriate swimwear."
Toks Ahmed, co-founder of SOUL CAP, also said: "This result plays a huge part in our wider mission to improve inclusion in the sport.
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"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."
Fellow SOUL CAP co-founder, Michael Chapman, said that 'diversity' in the sport still has a long way to go.
He said: "There’s still huge progress to be made for diversity in aquatics. Some of these other barriers include people being priced out of swimming, the lack of swim education in schools, pool closures and cultural stereotypes such as, 'Black people don’t swim'."
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He added: "Our hope from the approval is to keep seeing more people of all ages and abilities feeling comfortable and confident in the water.
"Whether that leads to competition swimming or casual swims, it’s about having the choice and knowing there’s space for you."
Olympic swimmer Alice Dearing reacted to the news on Instagram by writing: "@soulcapofficial is FINA approved!! Very happy and excited by this news. It sets a precedent for the sport; for choice, inclusivity and acceptance.
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"Giving swimmers the option is what this is all about. Self expression & love."
UNILAD have contacted FINA for additional comment.
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Topics: Sport, World News
Anish Vij