Jiya Rai becomes first girl with autism to swim across Catalina Channel

By Harsh Thakor*

Defying formidable odds, 17-year-old Jiya Rai from India has created history by becoming the first female para-swimmer with autism to successfully complete a solo swim across the Catalina Channel in the United States. She covered the 34-kilometre stretch in 15 hours, 1 minute and 43 seconds, setting a landmark in the 100-year history of Catalina Channel swimming.

Jiya began her swim at midnight on September 25, 2025, from Catalina Island and reached the mainland at San Pedro, California, on the afternoon of September 26. She dedicated the achievement to raising awareness about autism.

This feat adds to Jiya’s list of exceptional accomplishments. In 2024, she became the first girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to swim the English Channel solo, and in 2022 she crossed the Palk Strait. She holds several world records in open water swimming, marking her as a trailblazer in a sport long dominated by able-bodied athletes.

Despite being non-verbal and on the autism spectrum, Jiya’s determination, combined with the tireless support of her parents, has propelled her to the global stage. Her father and coach, Madan Rai, and her mother, Rachana, have been her constant source of strength and inspiration, guiding her through perilous challenges.

Her achievements have earned her multiple honors, including the 2024 WOWSA Award for Adaptive Performance of the Year, the 2023 National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

Jiya’s journey has inspired countless individuals across the globe, especially those with disabilities, proving that perseverance and resilience can break barriers. Looking ahead, she aspires to explore new frontiers in endurance swimming and continue to set benchmarks in open water challenges.

Her story is not only a testament to human endurance but also a powerful symbol of inclusivity, awareness, and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder. Jiya has emerged as a role model, embodying the boundless potential of individuals with disabilities and inspiring a more inclusive world.

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*Freelance journalist and English Channel swimmer (1988)

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