Black British Swimmer ‘Optimistic’ Swimming Cap Rules Will Change | Newsweek

The first Black British open water swimmer Alice Dearing said she is “optimistic” changes will be made after FINA, a body that oversees international swimming competitions, rejected the Soul Cap for use in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Soul Cap was manufactured in Britain and has an extra-large silicone covering designed specifically to protect dreadlocks, weaves, hair extensions, braids, and thick and curly hair. FINA were cautious that the cap may create an advantage by disrupting the flow of water. Dearing was forced to braid her hair into cornrows in order to use the approved cap in her 10k marathon swim.