A recent ban on swimming caps designed to accommodate athletes with afro hair is now under review following a recent backlash.
Last week, the Federation for International Competitions in Water Sports ruled that products by Soul Cap - a British company that manufactures swimming headwear that comfortably fit afros and braids - would not be eligible for use by swimmers in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic games.
Per The Metro, a spokesperson for FIMA stated that "[to their] best knowledge, the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration."
This ruling proved controversial on social media, with many outraged Twitter users accusing FIMA officials of discrimination and prejudice against Black athletes.
For example, Jamaican swimmer Michael Gunning commented on the ruling by tweeting: "I'm utterly shocked and disgusted to hear @fina1908’s new ban on Afro swimming caps which penalizes & further segregates the black community in the pinnacle of sport! [sic]"
Gunning continued: "This is everything against what I’ve been working so hard towards with my advocation & representation in elite swimming.
"We must teach those young black swimmers out there that swimming is for ALL… no matter what your authenticity! [sic]"
As a result of this, BBC News reports that FIMA has now elected to review the ban, and has defended itself from public accusations of racism.
Per the above publication, a FIMA spokesperson stated: "FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for [a] competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage."
Commenting on the ruling in a later interview with The Guardian, Black Swimming Association co-founder Danielle Obe stated: "Hair is a significant issue for our community.
"We need the space and the volume which products like the Soul Caps allow for. Inclusivity is realizing that no one head shape is 'normal.'"
Meanwhile, Soul Cap founders Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed-Salawudeen have stated that they are grateful for the support they have received from other Black swimmers in the aftermath of FIMA's rejection of their application.
Ahmed-Salawudeen told The Metro: "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."
