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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) following reports that a biological male, identifying as female, dominated women’s events at the 2025 Spring Nationals in San Antonio.
The athlete in question, 47-year-old Ana (Hugo) Caldas, secured first place in five events within the women’s 45–49 age group, raising concerns about fairness and adherence to state laws.
Upholding Fairness in Women’s Sports
Attorney General Paxton’s office is examining whether USMS violated Texas’s consumer protection laws by allowing a biological male to compete in women’s events. The investigation seeks to determine if the organization engaged in “false, deceptive, and misleading acts and practices” by marketing the competition as a women’s event while permitting male participation.
“The policy of US Masters Swimming, which allows men to compete in women’s events, is reprehensible and could violate Texas’s consumer protection laws,” Paxton stated. “Not only is this policy insulting to female athletes, but it also demonstrates deep contempt for women and may violate Texas law.”
The Controversial Victories
Caldas’s victories included the 50-yard breaststroke, 100-yard breaststroke, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard individual medley. Notably, in the 50-yard breaststroke, Caldas finished with a time of 29.74 seconds, a full three seconds ahead of the nearest competitor—a significant margin in such a short race.
Critics argue that Caldas’s participation and subsequent victories underscore the physical advantages that biological males may retain, even after hormone therapy. Beth Bourne, a women’s sports activist, highlighted the unprecedented nature of such a dominant performance in short-distance swimming events.
Broader Implications and Legal Actions
This investigation is part of a broader effort by Attorney General Paxton to address concerns about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Earlier this year, Paxton filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s college sports, citing violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The ongoing legal actions reflect a commitment to ensuring that women’s sports remain a fair and level playing field, free from policies that may compromise the integrity of competition.
A Call to Protect Women’s Athletics
From a Christian conservative perspective, the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports challenges the foundational principles of fairness and the recognition of inherent biological differences. Allowing male-bodied individuals to compete against women not only undermines the achievements of female athletes but also raises concerns about safety and the erosion of women’s rights in sports.
As this investigation unfolds, it serves as a crucial moment to reaffirm the importance of protecting women’s athletics and ensuring that policies reflect both scientific realities and ethical considerations. The outcome may set a precedent for how sports organizations nationwide address the complex intersection of gender identity and competitive fairness.