Men who previously competed against other men are now excelling in women’s swimming.
Ana Caldas, who has been known by the names “Hugo” and “Hanna,” made waves at the US Masters Swimming Springs National Championship this past weekend in San Antonio, Texas.
Competing in the women’s 45-49 division, Caldas secured first place in five different events: 50 yards freestyle, 100 yards freestyle, 50 yards breaststroke, 100 yards breaststroke, and 100 yards individual medley. Interestingly, he won three of these races by over three seconds.
A representative from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports reached out to the event organizers after Caldas’ initial victory, criticizing the regulations that allow men who use testosterone suppressants to compete against women.
“It’s crucial for maintaining competition integrity and trust among all USMS athletes. There’s no point in time when testosterone suppression removes the advantages held by men,” the group pointed out.
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA Championship swimmer, voiced her thoughts, remarking how “a man who goes by Anna participated in five events at the championship.” She added, “He won them all—feels like a real-life South Park episode.”
Gaines possibly referenced an episode titled “Board Girls,” where a character enters women’s competitions while presenting as female and dominates them.
Caldas has a history that includes a background still referenced in academic papers from time at Wake Forest University. There’s also documentation of participation in a swimming club for homosexual men.
According to a profile, Caldas achieved substantial recognition in the swimming world while identifying as a woman.
Caldas holds three FINA world records in women’s relays, a USMS national record for 50 meters breaststroke and freestyle, and has been recognized in over 20 individual women’s events. He was even noted as the fastest female swimmer in the world aged 30 and over in two categories back in 2011.
