World Aquatics has imposed a five-year ban on transgender swimmer Hannah Caldas from all competitions after she refused to undergo a series of sex tests deemed necessary for participation in the American Masters series. The suspension will remain in effect until 2030.
In addition to the ban, Caldas’ refusal to comply means that all of her results from June 2022 to October 2024 will be nullified, including her performances at the 2024 Masters World Championship in Doha, Qatar, where she competed in the women’s category.
The decision follows a ruling earlier this year that had found the 47-year-old eligible to compete in the women’s category at the 2025 Masters Spring Nationals in April. Caldas had won five events in the 45–49 age group and was asked to undergo an eligibility review at another athlete’s request—a review she successfully passed.
However, her refusal to submit to genetic or chromosomal testing was deemed a breach of three provisions within the World Aquatics Integrity Code. A statement from New York Aquatics, issued on Caldas’ behalf, noted that these tests—although mandatory under the organisation’s Gender Policy—would have to be conducted at the athlete’s own expense.
Caldas argued that it is unlawful to require genetic or chromosomal testing for recreational sports, emphasising that US Masters Swimming imposes no such requirements. The ban was issued following an investigation by World Aquatics.
“I understand and accept the consequences of not cooperating with a World Aquatics investigation,” Caldas stated. “But if a five-year suspension is the price I must pay to protect my most private medical information, then it’s a price I am willing to pay—for myself, and for every other woman who should not have to undergo invasive medical testing just to swim in an older-adult competition.”
Following the announcement, Caldas suggested she would retire from these events altogether: “I’ve been competing in sanctioned meets for over 30 years, and I’m ready to let it go. My privacy and well-being have been compromised enough. It’s time to focus on my health and personal safety.”
Caldas’ suspension comes in the aftermath of the Lia Thomas case, in which Thomas became the first openly transgender swimmer to win an NCAA Division I title. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later upheld World Aquatics’ restrictions on transgender athletes, effectively barring Thomas and others from competing in future elite swimming events.
