‘Real-Life South Park Episode’: Transgender Swimmer Ana Caldas Wins 5 National Titles
A transgender swimmer has taken the spotlight after winning five races at a recent national championship meet, leading one high-profile critic to describe the situation as a “real-life South Park episode.”
Ana Caldas showcased her prowess in the women’s 45-49 age group division during the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship held last weekend in San Antonio, Texas. She not only participated but dominated, clinching victories in all five individual events she entered.
Born biologically male, Caldas left her competitors in the dust, finishing the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke races a staggering four seconds ahead of the nearest swimmer. In the 100-yard freestyle event, she secured her win three seconds before the next competitor crossed the finish line.
Videos circulating on social media captured Caldas far ahead of her rivals, as she effortlessly added to her collection of gold medals, which quickly ignited a wave of outrage online.
Riley Gaines, a collegiate swimming champion and women’s rights advocate, tweeted, “He won them all,” refusing to acknowledge Caldas’ preferred pronouns. She further emphasized her point by calling the situation a “real-life South Park episode.”
Another activist, Beth Bourne, expressed her disbelief at Caldas’ medal count, labeling it “insanity.” She noted, “Anyone who competes in swimming at the national level knows this is unheard of in a 50-yard race where wins are often measured in a tenth or a hundredth of a second,” in a post on X.
Adding to the conversation, a spokesperson from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports remarked to Reduxx that Caldas’ victories were “absolutely insane,” particularly in sprint races. “He’s just laughing at these women,” the representative stated, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports.
