Portuguese swimmer Hannah Caldas has been suspended for five years from all women’s competitions by the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics). The Portuguese athlete has a career marked by achievements in different sports. Born in Vizela, in northern Portugal, and living in California for years, she has become a reference among master athletes, a category for competitors over 25, gaining recognition for excelling in swimming, crossfit, and indoor rowing.
At 47, Caldas has held world records in master relays, as well as national marks in 50 and 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter breaststroke races by the US Masters Swimming federation. After taking some time away from the pool, she resumed training in 2010 and quickly achieved significant results, standing out for maintaining a pace and intensity similar to elite athletes.
The Portuguese also built a relevant career in crossfit, a sport that combines strength, endurance, and physical fitness. In 2012, she competed in the global Open of the discipline and ranked among the top 250 participants worldwide. During the same period, she dedicated herself to indoor rowing, breaking world records in speed events, showing remarkable physical abilities even among experienced athletes.
The International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) suspended Portuguese swimmer Hannah Caldas from all women’s competitions for five years after the athlete refused to undergo a gender verification test required to compete in the 2024 Masters World Championships in the senior women’s category.
According to a statement from the New York Swimming Federation, the test was requested to confirm compliance with the entity’s gender policy rules. “During the investigation, Ms. Caldas was asked to undergo a chromosome test, at her own expense, after submitting a birth certificate that identifies her as a woman,” the statement read.
As per the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the swimmer, born in Vizela, Portugal, and residing in California, justified her refusal by stating that the test is not required by US sports regulations. “My insurance refuses to cover such a test, as it is not medically necessary. No US state requires genetic testing for sports events like these, not even US Masters Swimming,” she declared.
At 47, Hannah Caldas is also known for her performance in other sports: she holds indoor rowing world records and has been a champion in crossfit competitions. “I understand and accept the consequences. But a five-year suspension is the price I have to pay to protect my most intimate medical information. I am happy to pay that price,” she stated, emphasizing that her decision is also in defense of other female athletes.
With the decision, all of Caldas’ results between June 2022 and October 2024 will be voided, and the athlete will be unable to compete until October 2030.
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