This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Don't mess with Texas – at least not after a law goes into effect barring men from competing in women's sporting events.
As a result of a man winning five gold medals at a San Antonio swim meet in April, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the sponsor of the event, U.S. Master's Swimming.
According to Fox News Digital, multiple female swimmers were unaware that the winning competitor was a biological male.
"The policy of U.S. Masters Swimming, which allows men to compete in women's events, is reprehensible and could violate Texas's consumer protection laws," Paxton said in an announcement. "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."
The swimmer in question, a 47-year-old who goes by Ana Caldas, won every race he entered, taking gold in the women's age 45-49 category in five races, including the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, freestyle and the 100-yard individual medley.
Louisiana woman and long-time swimmer Wendy Enderle said she filed a request for an eligibility review. Besides the Paxton investigation, Enderle is also calling for action by the U.S. Department of Justice.
"I hope that U.S. Masters Swimming quickly adopts a more appropriate and fair policy in line with World Aquatics policy. I also would like to see U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi look into whether U.S. Masters Swimming violates Presidential Executive Order number 14201, Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports, dated Feb. 5, 2025," Enderle told Fox – though the president's order applies only to publicly funded entities, and U.S. Master's Swimming is a private organization.
"Thank you to the great state of Texas for standing up for women and girls!" added Enderle.
In June 2023, Texas passed the Save Women's Sports Act, which bans trans athletes from competing in girls and women's sports and only allows students to compete in the gender category listed on their birth certificate.
According to Fox News Digital, USMS policy allows transgender swimmers to participate in the gender competition category in which they identify, and they may also be recognized for accomplishments, if certain conditions are met.
