History

Afrikaans, often seen as a simplified Dutch, was born from 17th-century colonialism in South Africa. It evolved from a Dutch dialect mixed with Malay, Portuguese, and African languages, carrying a complex legacy of both Afrikaner identity and apartheid-era oppression into the modern day.

In 19th-century Europe, women's swimwear consisted of heavy wool gowns with weights sewn into the hems. This impractical measure ensured modesty by preventing the fabric from floating, but posed a serious drowning risk and stood in stark contrast to the athletic needs of early female Olympians.