New Delhi. 30 July 2024. Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder, daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II, Indian Navy, successfully swam across the English Channel, a distance of 34 kms, in 17 hrs 25 min and became the youngest and fastest para swimmer in the world to achieve this feat in solo swimming. In the 150 year history of the Channel swimming, Jiya is the first Autism Spectrum Disorder girl to achieve this.
Jiya started her heroic effort on 28 Jul 24 from Abbotts Cliff, England and finished at Pte De La Courte- Dune, France in the early hours of 29 Jul 24. Jiya dedicated this swim for Autism awareness and in recognition of this endeavour, English Channel Sea Swimming 2024 from 21 to 28 Jul 24 was dedicated for autism awareness.
