Male Competitor Claims Victory in Women's Division at U.S. Masters Spring Swimming Championships
Here's a fresh, original version of the article:
Last weekend, Ana Caldas, a trans-identifying swimmer, stormed the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in San Antonio, racking up a total of five individual wins in the women's 45-49 age category.
But wait, there's a catch. Ana, born male, made a splash in events previously ruled by biologically female athletes, leaving many questioning the fairness of the competition.
Caldas triumphed in events such as the 50 and 100-yard breaststroke, the 50 and 100-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard individual medley. The controversy surrounding Caldas' victories led our website to reach out to the USMS for a response, but as of yet, they remain silent on the issue.
A quick glance at the USMS's website reveals a page dedicated to "Diversity & Inclusion," emphasizing the organization's commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds. However, when it comes to the inclusion of transgender athletes, the organization has chosen to remain silent on the issue of fairness and its potential impact on women's events.
On a USMS message board, former BYU swim captain and U.S. Masters Swimming competitor Kurt Dickson, expressed his dismay about Caldas' wins, acknowledging the female competitors who narrowly missed out on first place due to Caldas' participation. "Thank you to all volunteers and officials for (as always) a well-run meet," Dickson wrote. "Also, congratulations to... Angie Griffin... Maureen Rea... Jennifer Brooks Crozier... Cissy Cochran... and Sonja Skinner."
Paul Smith, another USMS member, chimed in, "Kurt, thanks for acknowledging the rightful national champions who sadly took 2nd place in all those events due to USMS refusal to respect and protect women's sports." Other users agreed, voicing their support for the biological reality of competition.
Despite the controversy and public outcry, it seems the USMS remains committed to their inclusive policy, allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's events if they meet specific testosterone-level requirements.
Image credit: Getty Images
Enrichment Data:Although the USMS's policy does not publicly detail specific testosterone thresholds or duration-of-suppression mandates, it appears that the organization allows participation based on hormone levels rather than biological sex[1]. The NCAA's recent reversal of its transgender athlete policy—now requiring athletes to compete based on birth sex—contrasts with the USMS's current approach[2]. Critics argue that testosterone levels alone do not account for the advantages male athletes inherently hold over female athletes[3]. The USMS's stance can be seen as a reflection of their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion[1].
- Cissy Cochran, along with Angie Griffin, Maureen Rea, Jennifer Brooks Crozier, and Sonja Skinner, were recognized by Kurt Dickson for their commendable performances at the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship, despite finishing second in their respective events due to Ana Caldas' participation.
- Paul Smith, another USMS member, expressed his support for these biological female competitors, claiming that the USMS's refusal to respect and protect women's sports allowed Caldas to win, thereby denying them their rightful titles.
- Kudos are due to the USMS for their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, as shown by their policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in women's events if they meet specific testosterone-level requirements, but critics argue that testosterone levels alone do not account for the inherent advantages male athletes historically hold over female athletes.
