Natural hair swim caps rejection sparks conversation on coded bias, gatekeeping and representation

(NEW YORK) — A rejection to allow swim caps made for natural hair in the Olympics has started a larger conversation on bias, gatekeeping and representation in the sport. Soul Cap, a U.K.-based company that sells swimming caps for "thick, curly and voluminous hair," had submitted its product to the International Swimming Federation (FINA) for approval last year so that athletes with these types of hair could use them while participating in the Tokyo Olympics.