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Sunisa Lee illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Suni Lee Wins Full Set at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

By: Ally Brewster

Women’s artistic gymnastics was at the forefront at the Summer Olympics once again this year in Tokyo. Artistic gymnastics is a highly competitive, technical sport that takes a lifetime to perfect. The sport garners millions of viewers worldwide each Olympics, and marketing teams use the sport as one of the faces of the games. Artistic gymnastics has become one of, if not the, most popular sport each Olympics.

At the Olympics, artist gymnastics is set into two categories: team and individual. Each member of every country competes in qualifying rounds for team finals, all-around finals, and individual events finals. Each competitor gets a chance to let their abilities shine as they compete on each apparatus. This year, each competitor of the USA Gymnastics team shined with Simone Biles, Sunisa (Suni) Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Grace McCallum. Jade Carey and MyKayla Skinner participated as individual athletes for individual events. Though each gymnast shined, one gymnast really caught viewer’s attention. This notoriety was expected as she is a fan-favorite in the Olympics: Sunisa Lee. 

But, who is Suni Lee?

Suni Lee, born Sunisa Phabsomphou, competed in her first ever Olympics this year at only 18-years-old. Though she graduated high school just a few months ago, the Minnesota-native has been doing gymnastics since she was six-years-old. She first began her training at Midwest Gymnastics Center. No Olympic journey is easy, and Suni’s was no exception. Olympians need to train most hours of the day to perfect their craft, which can be difficult to afford. Suni’s father took that problem into his own hands. Her father had always been one of her biggest supporters. He decided to build her a wooden beam in their backyard for her to practice on when they couldn’t afford a real one.

Notably, Suni Lee is the first Hmong-American gymnast to ever compete at the Olympics. Her parents are immigrants from Laos. The Hmong community was excited to have this representation, especially after the year of anti-Asian rhetoric and violence. It meant a lot to the Asian-American community for Suni to be in the Olympics as a positive voice for the community. For some people, Suni was the first time they heard of the Hmong people – an ethnic group living mainly in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. By qualifying for the Olympics, she was able to represent her community. This moment can be used to educate the world on the Hmong people, their community, and the hardships they have fought to overcome.

Going into the Olympics, Suni was a newcomer to watch for Team USA. She was known for her stellar bar routines. Suni went above and beyond even her own expectations. She qualified not only for Team USA and bar individuals, but also for all-around and beam.

During finals, all of Team USA did amazing. The US team gave the competition their all and ending up winning a Silver medal. They were all ecstatic because, with the exception of Simone Biles, it was each member’s first time winning an Olympic medal.

As they went onto individual competition, the team members of Team USA continued to support each other, even while competing. Suni continued to dominate the competition in the individual rounds. She caught the attention of people as she performed beautifully on each apparatus in all-around. Her performance earned her gold in the all-around competition. With the win, Suni became the first Asian-American to win an all-around gold medal.

After the all-around, the individual competition continued with Suni competing on the beam and uneven bars. On beam she performed beautifully, just missing a medal by placing 4th place. Though she did not win a medaling placement, Suni was as impressive as ever as she competed amongst the best gymnasts in the world. 

Coming into the competition, the uneven bars were known as Suni’s specialty. This proved to be the case as she performed a stunning routine. She was awarded third place and earned a bronze medal.

With each of her wins, Suni entered a distinguished group of Olympians that won a full set – earning a gold, silver and bronze medal. Suni made her community proud as she became the first Asian-American to win all-around. Suni is also the first Hmong American to compete in artistic gymnastics. Suni dedicated her Olympic wins to her father, who supported her through everything and watched her live her dream.

Basketball illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Top International Undrafted NBA Players

The top 3 international undrafted players playing in the NBA today

Typically, teams in the league would use the Summer League to evaluate drafted or undrafted talent to make roster decisions. With the pandemic, the franchises were not given that opportunity. 

Even with the chances to watch those games, some teams strike out on undrafted prospects and allow other teams to swoop in and make a deal. That’s why you never seed betting sites, like BetMGM Indiana, set odds on undrafted players signing with teams. There have been some pretty solid undrafted international prospects in today’s league that have come to the NBA and made a difference in the league. These are currently the top three. 

Tacko Fall-Boston Celtics (Honorable-Mention)

Fall enjoyed a four-year college career at the University of Central Florida; however, he didn’t move to the United States from Senegal until he was 16 years old. The 7-foot-6 big man is a recent member of the All-Defensive Team for the G-League after being undrafted in 2019. Fall has only played seven games in his NBA career, but he is still learning. 

Joe Ingles – Utah Jazz

When it comes to international awards, the Australian has racked up quite a few. He is a former EuroLeague champion (2014), Israeli League champion (2014), two-time Spanish League champion (2011, 2012), and Catalan League champion (2012). In 2009, he started his trophy case by winning the NBL with the South Dragons. 

Today, Ingles is a key contributor for the Utah Jazz, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Ingles is shooting over 44% from the three-point range and averaging 11.7 points per game. After playing five games with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, he was shipped to the Jazz, where he has spent his entire career up to now. 

Maxi Kleber-Dallas Mavericks

Kleber entered the 2014 NBA draft after spending three seasons playing professional ball in Germany. He went undrafted and then spent the next three seasons playing for German and Spanish Clubs. In 2015 and 2017, he was a German League All-Star, which led to him joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2017.

Kleber’s breakout season came last year, where he averaged 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and shot 37.3% from the three-point range. He has gone back and forth starting for the Mavericks this season. This year, he is spotting an impressive 47.5% clip from the three-point range.

Chris Boucher-Toronto Raptors

Boucher hails from Canada and is having a breakout campaign with the Raptors. Boucher has spent the last three seasons with the Raptors after starting his career with the Golden State Warriors in 2017. Currently, he is averaging 13.2 points per game and 6.8 rebounds. 

He was a member of the Warriors championship team in 2018 and then won a title as a reserve in 2019 with the Raptors. In 2019, he was the G-League MVP. In what has been an early career, he has accomplished more than some veterans have ever achieved. 

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

How Much is an Olympic Medal Worth?

This year, one of the world’s largest precious metals wholesale trading firms, Dillon Gage Metals, is sharing secrets behind the globally recognized Olympic medals athletes train so hard to obtain. The value of an Olympic medal is said to be worth quite a bit, and with the major sporting event just around the corner—beginning July 23 through August 8, in Tokyo, Japan—all eyes will be glued to the television wondering who is going home with a precious piece of history. 

The design of the Tokyo medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, reflects the ideology that athletes must always strive to achieve glory and victory daily. The design incorporates light and brilliance in the shape of polished stones, symbolically mirroring the warm glow of friendship, diversity, and representation, and the athletes’ energy and those who continue to uplift them.

“The value of gold is a curious inquiry we receive all the time, especially around the time of the Olympics,” said Terry Hanlon, president of Dillon Gage Metals. “It’s one of the most discernible medals in the world, and it’s only natural for individuals to be curious about what it’s made of and its true value. Most medals awarded during the sporting event aren’t worth much because they aren’t solid gold but rather silver with gold plating.” 

So, the question resides, how much is an Olympic medal actually worth? Every gold medal that athletes receive for their accomplishments is comprised of 99.9 percent silver and 6 grams of plated gold, weighing about 556 grams. Subtracting the gold from the silver brings the medal down to 550 grams in weight, while silver and bronze are a lesser metal weight at 550 grams and 450 grams respectively. 

Considering it takes 31.1033 grams to equal a troy ounce, and if the silver is truly pure silver, it takes some simple mathematics to discover the true value of the Olympic medals. Taking these numbers plus the current trade price of silver, approximately $26.00, and utilizing a common equation, the estimated value of gold can be calculated. 

The equation includes grams divided by troy ounce, then multiplying by trade price to find the dollar amount. In practical terms to solve for the total dollar amount in silver, use 550g/31 x $26.00 to equal $461.29.

In addition to the previous calculation, then add in 6 grams to account for the gold plating. In today’s currency, an ounce of gold is trading approximately for $1,808. Using the same equation to solve the gold composition: 6g/31 x $1,817 = $350.75. 

Combined, the gold and silver composition’s value for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medal is approximately worth $812.04. And the value for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medal is approximately worth $461.29. 

But no matter the actual value of all these medals, to compete on the world stage of the Olympics, one of the most prestigious sports competitions, is truly priceless. Dillon Gage Metals wishes every Olympian luck and sends their support to each nation’s competitors during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

illustration bv Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Count’s 77 to Perform at M Resort Spa Casino

Hard-rock band Count’s 77 will perform with special guests Sweet Home Alabama, Petty & The Heartshakers, Kaos Bender, and The Traveling Trailer Park. Special appearances will also be made from the cast of Counting Cars Horny Mike & Ghetto Bob at M Resort Spa Casino on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Fronted by lead singer Danny “Count” Koker of History’s hit reality TV show “Counting Cars,” the Las Vegas-based band will play hits from their latest album Soul Transfusion as well as their self-entitled debut Count’s 77. Tickets for Count’s 77, starting at $15, are on sale now for the general public and can be purchased by visiting MResort.com or ticketmaster.com.

With roots in 70s hard rock, Count’s 77 is powered by incredible musicians including a twin guitar team of internationally recognized blues guitarist Stoney Curtis and John Zito who has played and recorded with such bands as, Pat Travers, Paul Disibio on drums and percussion, Barry Barnes on bass, and Tommy Paris on keys and vocals. With musical roots as diverse as Thin Lizzy, Foghat, The Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin, Count’s 77 is one of the leaders of the new classic rock revival. Their album Soul Transfusion was the logical step ahead in this stellar hard rock band’s recording career whose first record received critical acclaim internationally and established the band as one of the most promising new hard rock bands on the scene. Count’s 77 also recently completed their first rock video for their song “Summer of 77.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m. on September 18 and special guests will start at 6:30 p.m.  For more information on M Resort Spa Casino’s events and promotions and to purchase tickets for Count’s 77 at the Pavilion starting at $15, plus applicable L.E.T. and facilities fees, please visit ticketmaster.com.

illustration bv Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Upcoming Annual “Pedal on the Pier” Fundraiser

High Energy Outdoor Cycle, Red Carpet, Food, Music, and Fun Festivities on the Iconic Santa Monica Pier Benefiting LA’s Underserved Youth & Their Communities

WHO: Harold Robinson Foundation 

WHAT: The Pedal on the Pier fundraiser returns transforming Santa Monica Pier into a high-energy outdoor cycling studio to raise money for the foundation’s Camp Ubuntu, which provides LA’s underprivileged children in South LA with a unique, three-day camp experience. The lessons and experiences these children learn at Camp Ubuntu enrich their lives and empower them with the necessary skills needed to better themselves at home, across their communities, and throughout life. Pedal on the Pier raises over a million dollars each year, totaling over six million dollars, and hopes to far surpass those numbers this year.

With the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, Pedal on the Pier’s 4-hour spin-a-thon features teams riding on stationary cycling bikes, LA’s top spin instructors, live musical performances, DJs, dancing, celebrities, athletes, food and drinks from local restaurants, influential brands, and fun festivities in the sun. Sponsors include national brands like iHeart Radio, Beat Box, and Tito’s Vodka.

In order to participate as a rider, you can join a team or start a team. Each team must raise a minimum of $2,500 for the Harold Robinson Foundation to have a bike reserved. Registered riders will receive a free T-shirt, swag bag, and a meal ticket and access to the 21 and over lounge with hosted alcoholic beverages from sponsors. There will also be a limited number of $100 Party on the Pier spectator tickets which includes access to the festivities, two drink tickets, hosted food from local restaurants and vendors, as well as a cash bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.

WHEN:

Sept. 26, 2021

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Red carpet begins at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, CA 90401

TICKETS:

Participants can register as a “Team” (1-5 riders) with a minimum fundraising commitment of $2,500 per bike or purchase a Party on the Pier spectator ticket for $100 which includes access to the festivities and hosted food and beverages from local vendors, as well as a cash bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. Tickets and registration are available here.

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Ash Barty Conquers Wimbledon!

Rado ambassador Ash Barty’s star is rising higher and higher. In an interview last year with ABC News she was quoted: “One day I would love to be the champion here, it’s a dream”. That dream became reality on Saturday when she defeated Karolina Pliskova in the final of the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament – Wimbledon. 

Even before her latest exploit, the 2021 season has been a terrific one for the Australian tennis star. Ranked World Number 1 since June 2019, she has already added three more singles titles to her impressive personal record. After her win at the Yarra Valley Classic in Melbourne in February, she claimed the title at the Miami Open (WTA 1000) in March and won both singles and doubles titles at the Porsche Grand Prix Cup in Stuttgart. With her second Grand Slam title (after Roland Garros in 2019), she consolidated her Number 1 position in an impressive way. 

According to Ash’s childhood coach, she picked up her first racquet at the age of 4 and hit the first ball he tossed to her right back to him. A Junior Wimbledon Champion at 15 and three-time Grand Slam Doubles finalist at 17, Ash became Australia’s highest-ranked player at 21 and the World Number 1 at just 23. In addition to her 12 career singles titles, Ash has won 11 career doubles titles, playing with different partners. Now 25 years of age, she enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the WTA’s most dynamic and talented players. 

Ash Barty’s Rado connection goes back to 2017 when she joined the Swiss watchmaker’s YoungStar programme. With Rado, she shares an abiding love of the game, unwavering determination, and a passion for endlessly inventive and creative play. Ash also enjoys the design aspect of the relationship and worked with Rado designers to develop the look of the Rado HyperChrome Ash Barty Limited Edition. After this off-court experience she said: “As a watch lover, I enjoyed working on the design and helping the team create this beautiful piece. I love it!” And so, apparently, do her friends and fans: Ash and Rado have started work on a second Limited Edition Rado that will carry her name. 

Ash Barty has renewed her association with the brand and serves today as an ambassador for Rado, which stands with tennis fans everywhere in taking pride in her achievements and stature as one of the greatest players in the game. 

Rado has been a committed supporter of tennis and sponsor of international tournaments for close to 40 years and is the Official Timekeeper for a range of high-profile tournaments around the world.

Rado HyperChrome Ashleigh Barty 2020 Limited Edition

Movement: Rado calibre R129, quartz, 7 jewels, 3 hands, date at 3 o’clock 

Case: Polished white high-tech ceramic case Stainless steel bezel with 60 diamonds, 115-120, Top Wesselton, VS-SI, full-cut, 0.390-carat Stainless steel side inserts Titanium case back with sapphire crystal Stainless steel crown Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides Water-resistant to 5 bar (50m) Case back with an engraving of Ashleigh Barty’s signature and LIMITED EDITION,  ONE OF 123 

Dial: Mother-of-pearl, silver coloured applied indexes Silver coloured printed Rado logo Hands:  Silver coloured 

Bracelet:  3-row polished white high-tech ceramic Titanium 3-fold clasp 

Dimensions: 36.0 x 41.9 x 10.4 (WxLxH in mm)

illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

NFL Players Top Highest-Paid Athletes Ranking

The world’s best athletes have plenty of opportunities to bank on their popularity. Besides lucrative sports contracts, most of them earn even more significant profits from heavy endorsement deals.

Although the MMA fighter Conor McGregor grasps the top of this list, most of the world’s highest-paid athletes come from another sport.

According to data presented by SafeBettingSites.com, NFL players top the ranking of the highest-paid athletes with combined earnings of over $837 million.

18 NFL Players Among the Highest-Paid Athletes, Basketball Follows with 13 Players on the List

In 2021, Conor McGregor racked up on and off-field earnings of around $180 million. However, the fighter was the only athlete from his discipline to make it into the Forbes` Top 50 highest-paid athletes list.

Statistics show the National Football League convincingly leads in this ranking with 18 NFL stars who made it into the top 50. However, Dak Prescott, as the highest-paid NFL player and fourth highest-paid athlete globally, earned much more than other NFL stars. In 2021, the famous quarterback racked up $107.5 million, 40% more than Tom Brady as the next NFL name on the list.

Basketball ranked as the second-highest-paid sport globally, with 13 players on the Forbes list. As the highest-paid basketball player and fifth highest-paid athlete globally, LeBron James made $96.5 million in on and off-field earnings this year. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry followed with $75 million and $74.5 million, respectively.

Although soccer represents the third highest-paid sport with eight players who made it to the list, Lionel Messi ranked as the second-highest-paid athlete globally with $130 million in this year’s earnings.

Roger Federer, Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic were the only tennis players who made it to the top 50 list, with $90 million, $60 million, $41.5 million, and $34.5 million in earnings, respectively.

18 NFL Stars Earned Over $837 Million in 2021

As the highest-paid golf player and twelfth highest-paid athlete globally, Tiger Woods racked up $60 million in 2021, much more than Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson as the other two golf stars on this list.

The Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, made $82 million in on and off-field earnings in 2021, ranking eight among the highest-paid athletes. Max Verstappen, who arrived in Formula 1 at the age of 17 as the youngest driver ever to have competed in the series, was the second name from the auto racing world to enter the Forbes list with $42.5 million in this year’s earnings.

Statistics show the combined earnings of the 18 NFL stars from the Forbes list hit more than $837 million this year. Basketball players who made it to the list racked up $683.5 million in 2021. Soccer players followed with $527 million in combined earnings.

Read the full story here.

illustration by Sam Miduri for use by 360 Magazine

Force3 Named Official Mask of MLB Players, Inc.

Force3 Pro Gear, which has a mission of developing the safest protective gear available for catchers and umpires, today announced it will be recognized as an “Official Catcher’s Mask Partner of MLB Players, Inc.”  

The designation by MLB Players, Inc., the business arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, underscores that Force3 Pro Gear is fast establishing itself as one of baseball’s premier catcher’s equipment companies. Since Tyler Flowers of the Atlanta Braves first wore a Force3 mask in 2016, several other Major Leaguers have followed, including Chicago White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal, who is also an investor in the company.  

With its revolutionary patented S3 Shock Suspension System technology, Force3’s unique line of masks reduces frontal impacts by absorbing energy that otherwise would be transmitted back through the head. Force3’s masks have been independently tested with speeds over 100 mph and at NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved test labs to ensure the performance exceeds mask standards.

“I created this mask technology out of necessity after being violently struck by a foul ball to my chin while umpiring in the minor leagues,” said Force3 Pro Gear President and Founder Jason Klein. “The S3 technology absorbs impacts like no other mask, reducing injuries and giving Players and umpires the best chance of not being seriously injured.”  

“Ensuring the safety and wellness of Players is at the forefront of all that we do, and we admire Force3 Pro Gear’s mission to manufacture safe equipment for catchers and umpires,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said.     

Klein founded Force3 Pro Gear and created the patented S3 Technology after recognizing a need to improve sport equipment during his 10 years as a minor league umpire. The Milford, Conn.-based company is committed to reducing the number of concussion,s and other sports injuries and extending the careers of athletes and officials by revolutionizing their protective equipment. 

 As part of the agreement, MLB Players, Inc. will also become a shareholder in the company.

Baseball illustration for 360 mag by Kaelen Felix

Topps National Baseball Card Day

The Topps Company®, the official trading card partner of Major League Baseball, is excited to announce its month-long pop-up truck tour in celebration of Topps National Baseball Card Day on Saturday August 7.

Starting on Friday July 9 in Denver, CO, the Topps Truck will kick off at MLB’s All-Star Week, and then travel to numerous cities stopping at MLB stadiums, hobby shops and local events across the country, finally ending at the Field of Dreams game in Deyersville, IA on August 12. The Topps Truck, wrapped entirely in over 11,000 baseball cards, will travel more than 6,600 miles, bringing baseball fans the ultimate fandom experience. Throughout the month-long journey, the onsite teams in each location will host trivia contests and cornhole games, along with free baseball cards and Topps swag giveaways. Fans are also invited to take a photo in a life-size Topps card frame to become their own card, as well as trade at the mobile Topps Card Wall, a staple activity at Topps events.

“Every year, National Baseball Card Day is a reminder of Topps’ rich heritage and the infectious card collecting hobby that has remained a staple for sports fans and collectors of all ages,” said Emily Kless, Topps Communications Manager. “In 2019, we celebrated National Baseball Card Day with a pop-up Topps Truck in NYC, and this year, as we continue to celebrate Topps’ 70th Anniversary of baseball cards, we wanted to bring our Topps Truck to fans across the states, and celebrate our favorite players, iconic game moments, and more, at MLB stadiums and hobby shops nationwide.”

In addition, Topps is teaming up with FOX to raise awareness of NBCD, and the highly anticipated Field of Dreams game, which will take place in Deyersville, IA on Thursday August 12.

To commemorate the occasion, Topps is also giving away packs of cards in hobby shops across the country in honor of NBCD on Saturday August 7. Consumers can follow the Topps Truck’s journey on social media @Topps, and celebrate using the hashtag #ToppsNBCD.

For more information on National Baseball Card Day, please visit the Topps website.

Illustration By Alex Bogdan for use by 360 Magazine

BLACK FEMALE ATHLETES FACE OLYMPIC DISCRIMINATION

By: Clara Guthrie

Leading up to the postponed 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo—with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 23—the International Swimming Federation (or FINA, a shortening of the “Fédération Internationale de Natation”) has banned the use of swim caps specifically designed to fit the volume and texture of Black hair. Their reasoning for such a targeted and controversial ban seemingly lies in the cap’s novelty, leaving officials wondering how the product may affect different Olympic swimming events. (Many people have been quick to point out, however, that the larger size of these caps could actually cause more drag in the water rather than any sort of advantage.) In a statement, FINA said that, to their knowledge, “the athletes competing at international events never used, neither required, […] caps of such size and configuration.” Additionally, they took issue with the fact that the caps do not lay flat and tight across the head as other swim caps used by white athletes do.

The caps of interest were created by a Black-owned British company called Soul Cap. According to their website, their products are intended for “those with dreadlocks, weaves, hair extensions, braids, thick and curly hair” and are “designed with extra room in mind.” Their business—which was founded in 2017 and includes a variety of swimming-related haircare products for those “blessed with voluminous hair”—grew out of an understanding that the beauty industry was overlooking the needs of these individuals.

Preceding this controversy, Soul Cap had partnered with marathon swimmer Alice Dearing, the first Black female swimmer to represent Great Britain in the Olympic games. This partnership was intended to promote diversity in the world of swimming and help break down barriers for other minority swimmers who may be blocked from competing at the highest level. “Swimming as a sport hasn’t always been as accessible to people from minority communities,” Dearing said. “Increasing diversity in the water is a huge passion of mine, so with Soul Cap, […] we hope we can start to dispel those barriers.”

This decision to ban Soul Caps from the Olympics has caused public outrage among many swimmers, specifically swimmers of color. According to the BBC, one young swimmer said she was “heartbroken but not surprised” by FINA’s discriminatory action. Another swimmer, 17-year-old Kejai Terrelonge, said that swim caps made for thinner or untextured hair have posed perpetual problems throughout her athletic career. “Using the smaller swimming caps that everyone else would use—it would fit on my head, but because I put oil in my hair, when I was swimming it would just keep sliding off, and my hair would get wet,” she said. Since Black hair is naturally drier than other hair, exposure to chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can cause severe damage to hair. In 2019, Dearing herself even acknowledged that she “can fully understand why someone would quit [swimming] over their hair.”

Non-athletes have also joined in on this critique of FINA, taking to Twitter to voice their frustration. One user called the decision “cultural insensitivity on an international scale.” Another said, “this misguided notion of uniformity is the antithesis to inclusion.” “It’s 2021 and still there is ignorance about Black hair and naturalness,” said another Twitter user. “People who make decisions about Black hair should do the research first. Our hair may not be natural to you but it is to us!” This final sentence seems to be a direct response to another quote from FINA in which they said that Soul Caps do not “fit the natural form of the head.”

Unfortunately, this move to ban swim caps for Black hair has not been the only inequitable decision surrounding Black female athletes made by Olympic athletic committees. Last week, 21-year-old sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was suspended from the Olympic team after testing positive for THC and thus failing her drug test. While marijuana is explicitly against the rules for competing athletes according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards, many people were outraged at Richardson’s suspension seeing as the drug is legal in Oregon (where Richardson ingested it) and the drug’s known effects are in no way performance-enhancing. Actor and outspoken supporter of marijuana Seth Rogen weighed in on Twitter, saying, “The notion that weed is a problematic ‘drug’ is rooted in racism. It’s insane that Team USA would disqualify one of the country’s most talented athletes over thinking that’s rooted in hatred.” 

In another Olympic-centered controversy, 18-year-old Namibian sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi were withdrawn from the 400-meter race due to their “natural high testerone level[s],” according to the World Athletics governing body’s policy on Athletes with Differences of Sex Development. This policy states that women’s blood testosterone levels must be below 5 nanomoles per liter to compete in the 400-meter race, among other events. These new regulations were introduced in 2018, and the only proposed solution for these athletes is to lower their testosterone levels with medicine in order to compete. It is important to note that neither Mboma, Masilinigi, their families nor their coaches were aware of their hormonal condition prior to being tested.

As these debates that target the rights and Olympic potential of Black female athletes continue to unfold, FINA has announced it will review the original decision to ban Soul Caps from the summer games. In an official statement, FINA said that it is “committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage.” FINA also said that it plans to “speak with the manufacturer of the ‘Soul Cap’ about utilizing their products through the FINA Development Centers.” No further statements or decisions have been made at this time.

According to the official Olympics website, part of the IOC’s mission is “to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement” and “to encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures.” And yet, the past few weeks have revealed unflattering truths about the international world of athletics and the discrimination that athletes of color—specifically female athletes of color—repeatedly face in order to pursue their Olympic dreams. The IOC represents the highest standards of athletics and competition, and thus they must rise to the same standards when it comes to protecting, empowering and uplifting the athletes who participate.