Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launches investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming after transgender swimmer Ana Caldas won five gold medals in a women’s competition, potentially violating state law.
At a Glance
- Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating U.S. Masters Swimming for potential violations of state law after transgender athlete Ana Caldas won five gold medals in women’s events
- The investigation focuses on whether the organization’s transgender participation policy violates Texas consumer protection laws
- Paxton claims the policy allowing biological males to compete in women’s events is “reprehensible” and disrespectful to female athletes
- Female competitor Wendy Enderle, who raced against Caldas, supports the investigation and calls for policy alignment with World Aquatics standards
Texas AG Targets Swimming Organization’s Transgender Policy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming following the participation of transgender athlete Ana Caldas in women’s events at the 2025 Spring Nationals in San Antonio. The investigation comes after Caldas, who identifies as a transgender woman, secured gold medals in five separate races within the women’s 45-49 age category. Paxton’s office is examining whether the organization’s policies permitting transgender women to compete in female categories violate Texas state laws, particularly those related to consumer protection.
The Attorney General’s investigation aims to uncover documents and determine if the swimming organization engaged in false, deceptive, or misleading practices. Paxton has been explicit about his concerns, suggesting that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports categories not only disadvantages female athletes but may also constitute legal violations under Texas law. The investigation will scrutinize U.S. Masters Swimming’s rules and their implementation during competitive events held within Texas jurisdiction.
Female Competitors Support Investigation
Wendy Enderle, who competed against Caldas in the San Antonio event, has publicly backed Paxton’s investigation. As a directly affected athlete, Enderle has requested an eligibility review of the competition results and expressed hope that U.S. Masters Swimming will revise its policies to align with international standards. Her concerns highlight the growing tension between inclusive policies for transgender athletes and competitive fairness for biological female participants in women’s sports divisions.
“I was very encouraged by the announcement that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into U.S. Masters Swimming after allowing a transgender swimmer to unfairly compete against me and fellow female swimmers last month in San Antonio.” Enderle told Fox News.
Enderle also referenced Presidential Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” dated February 5, 2025, suggesting that U.S. Masters Swimming’s current policies may be in conflict with federal directives. Her statement indicates that the controversy extends beyond state-level concerns and potentially touches on broader national policy regarding transgender participation in sports. The executive order represents one of several recent federal attempts to address the complex intersection of gender identity and athletic competition.
Legal Basis for Investigation
Texas law explicitly prohibits biological males from competing in women’s sports, providing the legal foundation for Paxton’s investigation. The Attorney General’s office is specifically examining whether U.S. Masters Swimming’s transgender participation policy constitutes a violation of Texas consumer protection statutes. These laws are designed to protect consumers from misleading practices, and Paxton’s investigation suggests that female athletes may have been misled about the nature of the competition they entered.
“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,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Not only is this policy insulting to female athletes, but it also demonstrates deep contempt for women and may violate Texas law. I will fight to stop these unfair policies and never back down from defending the integrity of women’s sports.”
Paxton’s investigation represents a significant step in the ongoing national debate about transgender athlete participation in competitive sports. The Attorney General has positioned Texas as taking a firm stance on preserving women’s sports categories for biological females only. The outcome of this investigation could establish precedent for how similar cases are handled in other states and potentially influence policy development at both state and national levels regarding transgender participation in athletic competitions.
