Here’s a detailed look at the case of Hannah Caldas (also known as Ana Caldas), the swimmer who was banned for five years after refusing a gender-verification test.

Background

Hannah Caldas, aged 48, is a veteran competitive swimmer who has been active in masters-level competitions for over 30 years. (EDGE Media Network)

Originally competing in the men’s division from 2002-2004, she later transitioned and competed in the women’s division, including at major events such as the 2024 Masters Worlds in Doha and the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals. (EDGE Media Network)

Her performances in the women’s 45-49 age category drew attention, particularly because she won multiple events and by significant margins. (The Times of India)

The Investigation & Decision by World Aquatics

In 2022, World Aquatics adopted eligibility rules for the men’s and women’s competition categories that restrict transgender women’s participation if they have undergone male puberty. (Swimming World Magazine)

As part of its regulatory regime, the feder­ation may request verification of eligibility, including chromosomal or other medical testing, particularly when eligibility is challenged. (EDGE Media Network)

In Caldas’s case, after complaints and review, World Aquatics’ Integrity Unit (AQIU) initiated proceedings that required Caldas to undergo what’s described as a “chromosomal gender-verification test”. (Veritas News) Caldas declined the test, citing that:

• The test was “invasive and expensive”; (EDGE Media Network)

• Her insurance would not cover it because it was not medically necessary; (Swimming World Magazine)

• No U.S. state law requires such testing for recreational sports events, and even the national adult swimming body (U.S. Masters Swimming) did not require it. (EDGE Media Network)

As a result of her refusal, World Aquatics imposed:

• A five-year period of ineligibility, from 18 October 2025 through 18 October 2030. (Swimming World Magazine)

• Disqualification (erasure) of all competition results from June 2022 through October 2024. (worlddailytimes.com)

• Prohibition from participation in any World Aquatics event as an athlete or official. (EDGE Media Network)

World Aquatics justified the action on the grounds that Caldas violated its Integrity Code as well as the Policy on Eligibility and the Operational Requirements associated with that policy. (EDGE Media Network)

Caldas’s Response

Caldas has issued a statement saying she “understands and accepts the consequences” of not complying with the investigation. (EDGE Media Network)

She framed her decision as one of personal and medical privacy:

“But if a five-year suspension is the price I must pay to protect my most intimate medical information, then it’s a price I am happy to pay – for myself, and for every other woman who does not want to submit to highly invasive medical testing just to swim in an older-adult competition.” (EDGE Media Network)
She also said:
“My life and privacy have been invaded enough.

It is time to prioritise my health and personal safety.” (Swimming World Magazine)

Caldas stated that she has been participating in sanctioned events for over 30 years and is “prepared to let it all go.” (EDGE Media Network)

Key Points & Implications

• The decision is significant because it emphasises strict enforcement of eligibility rules for transgender athletes under World Aquatics, and highlights the tension between athlete privacy and regulatory requirements.

• While U.S. Masters Swimming had previously declared Caldas eligible after reviewing documents showing she was assigned female at birth and identifies as female, the global federation uses its own criteria. (VT News)

• The prohibition on results from June 2022 to October 2024 wipes out major achievements of Caldas in that period, affecting her medal record and ranking.

• The case has reignited debate around fairness in women’s sport, inclusion of transgender athletes, and what level of medical verification is appropriate.

• Caldas’s statement strongly emphasises the privacy aspect of medical testing, which is a recurring theme in disputes over transgender athlete eligibility.

Why It Matters

• For sport: It underlines that eligibility rules are not only about hormone levels but also about compliance with verification processes.

• Federations are signalling that refusal to comply can result in sanctions as severe as refusals to meet doping or other integrity requirements.

• For transgender and women’s sport policy: It sets a precedent for how much verification is required, how wins can be erased days or years later, and the consequences for refusal.

• For individual athletes: The decision shows that athletes may face a choice between competing and maintaining medical privacy; Caldas chose the latter.

• For broader social debate: The case is part of a larger global discourse on the intersection of identity, fairness, medical privacy, and the structure of competitive categories.