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The Soul Cap has gotten the green light from swimming's top governing body, which figures to be a huge step toward bringing more diversity to a largely white sport. Just don't expect the revolutionary piece of equipment to have a big impact at the Olympics or world championships. The Soul Cap's target audience is at the grassroots level. Seren Jones of British-based Black Swimming Association already is seeing that in her swim classes. She says women all across London are using the Soul Cap because it empowers them to "be safe in the water without worrying about their hair."

You've probably seen the meme of the bored-looking lifeguard sitting next to a pool. It says, "If you ever feel useless just remember that someone is a lifeguard at the Olympics swimming event." Funny stuff, but hardly a joking matter. Lifeguards are stationed around the pool at every major swimming competition. That includes this week's U.S. national championships in Indianapolis, which feature Olympic champions such as Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel. Everyone competing at the IU Natatorium is sure glad to have 'em. They point out that anything can happen, even to the world's best swimmers.