Seventeen-year-old Jiya Rai, an Indian para swimmer diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has etched her name in history by becoming the first female with ASD to swim solo across the challenging Catalina Channel in the United States. This remarkable feat adds to her already impressive list of accomplishments, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and an inspiration to individuals with disabilities worldwide.
Jiya began her swim from Catalina Island on September 25, 2025, at midnight and completed it on September 26, reaching the mainland in San Pedro, California, in the afternoon. She covered the 34-kilometer (approximately 21 miles) distance in 15 hours, 01 minute, and 43 seconds. This swim, organized by the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation of USA, is particularly noteworthy considering that only about 500 people have successfully completed it in the past 100 years.
The Catalina Channel is known for its demanding conditions. The water temperature in September can drop to 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit), posing a risk of hypothermia. Swimmers also face the challenges of navigating through jellyfish and other marine life.
Jiya dedicated her swim to raising awareness about autism. Her father, Madan Rai, who is an Indian Navy sailor, has been a constant source of support and inspiration. He highlighted the challenges of the cold water and marine life, emphasizing the mental fortitude required to complete such a swim.
Prior to this achievement, Jiya had already conquered the English Channel and the Palk Strait, setting world records in 2024 and 2022, respectively. In July 2024, she became the first female swimmer with autism spectrum disorder to swim across the English Channel solo, covering the 34km distance in 17 hours and 25 minutes. She dedicated that swim to autism awareness as well, and the English Channel Sea Swimming event from July 21 to 28 was dedicated to autism awareness in recognition of her effort. In March 2022, she set a world record for the fastest swim across the Palk Strait, completing the 29 km stretch in 13 hours and 10 minutes.
Jiya's accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India's highest honor for young achievers. She has also received the WOWSA Award 2024, the National Award of Disability 2023, and the Shriver-Kennedy Student Achievement Award-2023.
Her success serves as a powerful message of inclusivity and inspires individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams. Several organizations supported Jiya's Catalina Channel swim, including Hindustan Petroleum, the Indian Navy (Western Naval Command), the Bagwadiya Foundation, Indian Oil, the State Bank of India, and Mazagon Dock Limited.
Jiya’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of unwavering support. Her achievements in open water swimming are not only a testament to her physical and mental strength but also a beacon of hope for individuals with autism and other disabilities, demonstrating that with dedication and the right support, anything is possible.
