Jiya Rai, a 17-year-old para-swimmer from Mumbai, made history as the first female para-athlete to swim solo across the Catalina Channel in the United States. The teenager, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, finished the 34-kilometre length in 15 hours, one minute, and 43 seconds. She began her swim from Catalina Island shortly after midnight on September 25 and arrived on the California shore near San Pedro on September 26, 2025.
Jiya, the daughter of Indian Navy commander Madan Rai, dedicated her achievement to increasing awareness about autism. Her accomplishment adds to a remarkable list of achievements, which already includes crossing the English Channel in 2024 and the Palk Strait in 2022, both of which earned her world records.
The young swimmer has received numerous accolades, including the World Open Water Swimming Association Award in 2024, the National Award for Disabilities in 2023, and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Notably, she is the first Indian open-water swimmer to win the prestigious WOWSA award, which is considered the highest international accolade in the field.
Despite her disability, Jiya continues to pursue her goal of becoming the youngest para-swimmer to cross seven oceans, cementing her place as one of India’s most inspirational athletes.
