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.

---

*Freelance journalist and English Channel swimmer (1988)

New UPF study strengthens case for statutory controls on junk food advertising

Counterview News A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nature Metabolism has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) trigger metabolic and neural responses distinct from minimally processed foods—even when the two meals are nutritionally identical. The study provides direct experimental evidence that food processing itself influences health through mechanisms beyond calories and macronutrients alone.

Kamal Mitra Chenoy, scholar and student activist who never stopped being both

By Harsh Thakor* Professor Kamal Mitra Chenoy, who taught comparative politics and the Indian Constitution at the School of International Studies (SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, died on October 11. He was 75. A political scientist and public intellectual, he was known for his work on international relations, peace and conflict resolution, human rights and democratic values, and for his solidarity with students.

From air pollution to nuclear war: Capitalism's seventeen deadly outputs

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak* The Lancet Commission's report on "21st Century Global Threats to Health" identifies seventeen interconnected crises threatening life on Earth: air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, childhood malnutrition, the collapse of development and health assistance, conventional conflicts, high alcohol use, high blood pressure, income inequality, low educational attainment, the malicious use of AI, nuclear conflict, obesity, pandemics, poor mental health, smoking, and unhealthy aging.

Counterview

Search This Blog