Investigation Launched Against US Masters Swimming Following Transgender Athlete’s Dominance at Texas Event

Investigation Launched Against US Masters Swimming Following Transgender Athlete’s Dominance at Texas Event

The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has initiated an investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming after a recent event in San Antonio captivated attention. A transgender athlete, identified as Ana Caldas, a 47-year-old biological male, achieved remarkable success, winning five gold medals in women’s events at the championship.

Several female competitors, unaware of Caldas’s biological background, have expressed their frustrations. Many stated that the participation of a trans athlete in women’s swimming raises significant questions regarding fair competition.

Legal action comes in light of Texas laws designed to prohibit transgender individuals from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. Paxton articulated concerns over the implications of such policies, stating, “The policy of U.S. Masters Swimming, which permits men to participate in women’s events, is not only troubling but may breach Texas’s consumer protection laws.”

According to Paxton, this situation not only undermines the integrity of women’s sports but also suggests a disregard for female athletes. His determination to challenge these policies reflects a broader movement concerned with maintaining fair competition in women’s sports.

In the recent competition, Caldas outperformed all competitors, claiming the top spot in the women’s age 45-49 category. Winning races including the 50-yard and 100-yard breaststroke, freestyle, and the 100-yard individual medley, Caldas’s victories have raised alarms among fellow competitors.

Among the concerned competitors is Wendy Enderle, a Louisiana resident and lifelong swimmer. Enderle filed a request for a review of the eligibility of competitors after discovering Caldas’s transgender status through news articles following the competition. “I was very encouraged by the announcement that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming after allowing a transgender swimmer to unfairly compete against me and fellow female swimmers last month in San Antonio,” Enderle remarked.

Enderle hopes that both state and federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, will take steps to address the situation. She noted an executive order issued by former President Trump in February 2025 that calls for publicly funded institutions to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. While U.S. Masters Swimming does not receive public funding, Enderle believes that this order may still apply.

“I hope that U.S. Masters Swimming quickly adopts a more appropriate and fair policy in line with World Aquatics policy,” Enderle added. Her concerns extend to the ramifications of competitive fairness, stating, “I am not a legal expert, but it is my opinion that USMS violates this order as they are an athletic association and sport-specific governing body as referenced in the order. Thank you to the great state of Texas for standing up for women and girls!”

Texas’s Legislative Landscape

In June 2023, Texas enacted the Save Women’s Sports Act, which restricts transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories. The law mandates that athletes participate in events based on the gender indicated on their birth certificates. Moreover, it only permits changes to birth certificates in circumstances where clerical errors necessitated updates.

Current discussions in Texas hint at more legislation aimed at safeguarding women’s rights within sports. The Texas Senate recently approved the Texas Women’s Privacy Act by a narrow margin of 20-11. This bill seeks to ensure the security of women in bathrooms, locker rooms, and domestic abuse shelters.

US Masters Swimming’s Policy

The policy of U.S. Masters Swimming allows transgender athletes to compete in accordance with their identified gender, provided they meet specific criteria. Athletes must undergo continuous hormonal therapy verified for at least one year. Furthermore, they must provide proof that their testosterone serum levels remained below five nmol/L during the past twelve months.

For those who do not satisfy these conditions, participation in women’s events is still permitted. However, their performances would be excluded from official results and they would not qualify for official rankings or records.

Community Reactions and Future Implications

As the investigation unfolds, reactions from the swimming community are mixed. Some competitors express gratitude for addressing what they perceive as an unfair advantage, while others advocate for inclusive practices in sports.

Fox News Digital has reached out to U.S. Masters Swimming for an official response regarding the ongoing investigation. The results of this inquiry could shape policies affecting how gender is defined and respected in competitive sports.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding transgender athletes in sports encourages greater awareness and understanding of gender identity issues. As Texas continues to navigate these complex discussions, the impact on both amateur and elite level sports remains to be seen.

Looking Ahead

The competitive landscape of women’s sports is evolving, and the outcome of this investigation may set significant precedents. Stakeholders across the spectrum, from lawmakers to athletes and sports organizations, must engage in conversations that allow for diverse opinions while also prioritizing fairness and integrity in competition.

This situation exemplifies the broader national debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. Advocates from all sides must strive for dialogue that balances the rights of transgender individuals with the principles of fair competition. How this delicate balance is achieved will be crucial as sporting policies continue to develop in the coming years.