World Aquatics Bans Ana Caldas for Five Years, Disqualifies Results Over Refusal of Gender Verification Test

World Aquatics has issued a five-year ban to Masters swimmer Ana Caldas, also known as Hannah Caldas and born Hugo Caldas, and disqualified all her results from June 2022 to October 2024. The decision stems from Caldas's refusal to undergo a required gender verification test, specifically a chromosomal examination, as part of an investigation into her eligibility to compete in women's categories. The ban, which runs until October 2030, follows a period where Caldas achieved significant success in women's sports.

Caldas publicly stated her refusal to take the test, calling chromosomal testing "expensive, invasive and unnecessary." She added, "A five-year suspension is the price I pay to protect my medical privacy, for myself and for all women who do not want invasive testing." Her statement highlights concerns over the cost and medical necessity of such procedures, noting that no U.S. state requires genetic tests for recreational sports.

The controversy gained significant attention following Caldas's dominant performance at the 2025 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships, where she won five individual events in the women's 45-49 age group. This prompted backlash from various groups, including the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), which accused U.S. Masters Swimming of violating fair play policies. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also launched an investigation, alleging that allowing biological males into women’s categories deprived female athletes of fair competition.

Journalist Jonathan Kay, in his latest article for Quillette, summarized the situation, stating, "> my latest for @Quillette on the bizarre athletic career of “Hannah Caldas” (aka Ana Caldas, aka Hugo Caldas), a globetrotting male athlete who posed as a woman. He spent his 30s & 40s winning cash, setting records, trouncing (actual) women, & conning league officials in 4 sports." Caldas, who was born male, previously competed in men's swimming events before transitioning and competing in women's divisions across multiple sports, including CrossFit and rowing, for over a decade.

World Aquatics cited violations of its Integrity Code, including providing false information and failing to act honestly, alongside breaches of its eligibility policy for women's competition categories. Despite U.S. Masters Swimming initially clearing Caldas to compete, the global governing body's ruling underscores the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athlete participation and the integrity of women's sports. Caldas has indicated she will retire from competitive swimming following the ban, prioritizing her health and personal safety.