Team GB’s first black female swimmer bids to overturn Olympic ban on swimming cap that fits over Afros and dreadlocks. Source: Distinct Today

Alice Dearing, UK’s first black female swimmer was initially told the Soul Cap — specifically designed to fit over locs, braids, and natural curls and coils — could not be worn at the Olympics because it did not fit “the natural form of the head”. However, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) is now reconsidering the ban promising to review the cap, “understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation.” Dearing wrote in the Soul Cap website, ‘People used to tell me my hair was ”too big” for the cap — never that the cap was too small for my hair.’

Thank you to all the swimmers who have given their thoughts and experiences when it comes to the barriers to swimming – it's time for change #SwimForAll https://t.co/bw9Ytyi0Hk

— SOUL CAP (@soulcapofficial) July 2, 2021

Meanwhile, Despite a push to shorten Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension over a marijuana violation did not work as the sprinter will not be on the Olympic U.S. relay team. 

Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson will miss the Olympics after being left off the US track team's roster following an earlier positive marijuana test https://t.co/4Y6zHiMhzI

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) July 6, 2021

The USA Track and Field committee said that, “they agree that the rules related to THC should be reevaluated [but] it would be detrimental to the integrity of the U.S. Olympic Team trials for Track and Field if they amended their policies only weeks before the Olympic Games.”

Richardson was suspended for 30 days last week after she tested positive for marijuana following the U.S. Olympic Trials. She’s since apologized and said though she won’t be an Olympic Champ this year she promises will be a world champ next year.