Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder, has made history by swimming across the English Channel, becoming the youngest and fastest para swimmer in the world to accomplish this feat solo. Jiya, daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II of the Indian Navy, completed the 34 km journey in 17 hours and 25 minutes. She is the first girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder to achieve this milestone in the 150-year history of Channel swimming.
Jiya embarked on her remarkable journey on July 28, 2024, from Abbotts Cliff, England, and finished at Pte De La Courte-Dune, France, in the early hours of July 29, 2024. She dedicated her swim to raising awareness for Autism, with the English Channel Sea Swimming 2024 event also focusing on Autism awareness from July 21 to 28.
The English Channel is notorious for its challenging conditions, including strong currents, low water temperatures of around 18°C in July, and the presence of jellyfish and debris. It is also one of the busiest shipping lanes globally, with over 600 vessels crossing daily. Swimmers face the additional challenge of rapidly changing weather conditions, making it difficult to plan their swim in advance. According to Channel Swimming Association rules, swimmers cannot leave the water or touch the accompanying boat or crew; food and liquids are handed to them using a long stick.
Jiya’s achievement is extraordinary, as fewer people have swum across the English Channel than have climbed Mount Everest. In the past century, only about 1,700 people have completed this swim.
Jiya’s journey as a para swimmer began after being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two. Despite being non-verbal, her parents discovered her passion for swimming, guiding her through videos. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar and the Shriver-Kennedy Student Achievement Award-2023. In March 2022, she set a new world record by swimming across the Palk Strait, and in September 2023, she was the youngest participant and only child to complete the 81 km Open Water Long Distance Swimming Competition in the Bhagirathi River.
Jiya Rai’s achievements inspire many, showcasing the limitless potential of determination and resilience.
