Swimming caps designed for Afro hair have been banned from the upcoming Tokyo Olympic games by officials.
Per Metro, the swimwear brand Soul Cap – designed to accommodate for diverse hair types in swimming – has been denied for use in the Olympic games by the Federation for International Competitions in Water Sports (FINA).
A spokesperson for FIMA ruled that the caps were barred 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."
Per the above publication, Soul Cap co-founder Toks Ahmed has since commented on the ruling by stating: "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."
Indeed, a number of Twitter users have since taken to social media to voice their outrage over the announcement.
One person wrote: "Not to forget they banned swimming caps for afro hair and no BLM apparel. We need to reevaluate the [individuals] who sit on the Olympic committee."
Another person wrote: "This decision has brought back childhood drama I remember trying really hard to get my hair into a swimming cap when I was younger, it was one of the reasons I didn't like going swimming.
"There is no way my hair can fit into 'standard normal' cap. Discrimination in plain sight."
A third person chimed in: "I don't have Afro hair but I remember struggling to get my hair into a normal swimming cap. If there is no competitive advantage to these caps being permitted then it would appear that there is only one conclusion to draw."
This person then tweeted: "What? Are they concerned that a larger cap which presumably creates more drag will somehow be an advantage? "
Another chimed in, writing: "Flashbacks to every time my swimming cap split or broke from trying to fit my afro hair in it. I have to cornrow my hair down to even attempt getting it in a cap."
While a sixth added: "Do better! The argument that other swimmers have never needed larger swimming caps, so Black/POC swimmers today don’t either is ridiculous."
