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World Aquatics Bans Ana Caldas for Five Years After Refusal of Sex Verification, Vacates 2022–24 Results

The governing body cited eligibility violations after the athlete declined required sex verification.

Overview

  • World Aquatics suspended Ana Caldas until October 2030 and annulled results from June 2022 through October 2024 following a refusal to undergo sex‑verification screening.
  • Caldas said chromosomal tests are invasive and costly, noted insurance would not cover them, and stated they accepted the penalty to protect medical privacy.
  • The Aquatics Integrity Unit listed violations including providing false information, failing to act honestly, and conduct undermining integrity, alongside a finding of ineligibility for the women's category under rules adopted in 2022.
  • Caldas drew scrutiny after winning five events in the women's 45–49 division at the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in San Antonio in May.
  • U.S. Masters Swimming had previously cleared Caldas to compete in female categories under a testosterone‑based policy, while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued USMS over those entries.