Transgender Swimmer Ana Caldas Shines with Unstoppable Sweep at US Nationals
Transgender athlete Ana Caldas made waves at the US Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in San Antonio, Texas, by triumphing in all five individual events she competed in. The 47-year-old swimmer delivered a stunning performance, finishing first in every race and solidifying her dominance in the competition.
Ana Caldas Sweeps National Titles in Women’s 45–49 Swimming Category, Sparks Controversy
Transgender swimmer Ana Caldas delivered a commanding performance at the US Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in San Antonio, Texas, claiming gold in all five of her individual events. Competing in the women’s 45–49 age group, the 47-year-old champion took first place in the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard individual medley.
Footage circulating online shows Caldas winning the 50-yard breaststroke by a striking three-second margin, further fueling public debate. Born Hugo Caldas, she previously competed in collegiate swimming as a male athlete and later participated under the name Hannah.
The Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) criticized the results, calling the performance gap between Caldas and the other swimmers “absolutely insane.” A spokeswoman claimed the outcome was akin to Caldas “just laughing at these women.”
In response, ICONS wrote to the US Masters Swimming (USMS) board, alleging the organization had undermined its own standards of fair play. USMS has defended its policy, stating that transgender women are permitted to compete in female categories if they have undergone hormonal therapy and maintain testosterone levels below 5 nmol/L.
Ana Caldas Sweeps National Titles in Women’s 45–49 Swimming Category, Prompting Backlash Over Fairness
Transgender swimmer Ana Caldas dominated the US Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in San Antonio, Texas, winning all five individual events she entered in the women’s 45–49 age category. The 47-year-old claimed gold in the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, 50- and 100-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard individual medley.
A widely shared video shows Caldas winning the 50-yard breaststroke with a commanding three-second lead, drawing both praise and criticism. Born Hugo Caldas, she formerly competed in male collegiate competitions and previously swam under the name Hannah.
The Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) has strongly criticized Caldas’s participation and the outcome. A spokeswoman called the time gap “absolutely insane,” alleging that Caldas was “just laughing at these women.”
In a formal letter to the US Masters Swimming (USMS) board, ICONS accused the organization of violating its own fairness standards. The letter stated:
“Transparency in these matters is critical to maintaining the integrity of the competition and the trust of all USMS athletes.
There is no length of time during which testosterone suppression eliminates male advantage; therefore it should not serve as a guideline permitting men to compete in women’s swimming.
At a minimum, it is USMS’s responsibility to enforce its current policy.”
USMS has defended its policy, which allows transgender women to compete in female categories if they have undergone hormonal therapy and maintain testosterone levels below 5 nmol/L.
