Jia Rai: Youngest & Fastest Para-Swimmer to Cross the English Channel

16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai has set a new world record as the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to cross the English Channel. Suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jiya completed her 34-kilometer swim from Abbot’s Cliff in England to Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France in 17 hours and 25 minutes on July 28-29, 2024.

World Record for Crossing Palk Strait

Jiya Rai also holds the record for the youngest and fastest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait, a 29-kilometer stretch from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka, to Dhanuskodi, India. She completed this feat in 13 hours and 10 minutes on March 20, 2022.

Significance of the English Channel

• The English Channel separates the southern coast of England from the northern coast of France.
• Mihir Sen was the first Indian to swim across the Channel in 1958.
• Aarti Saha was the first Indian woman to cross the Channel on September 29, 1959.
• Anita Sood holds the record for the fastest swim across the Channel by an Indian with a time of 8 hours and 15 minutes on August 17, 1987.
• Captain Matthew Webb of England was the first person to swim across the Channel in 1875.
• Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel holds the record for the most Channel swims, with 44 crossings.

Jiya Rai’s Mission and Achievements

Jiya aims to become the world’s first and youngest para-swimmer to swim across seven oceans. Despite her Autism Spectrum Disorder, she continues to achieve remarkable feats. In December 2022, Jiya was part of a six-member relay team that swam 1,100 kilometers from Mumbai to Goa and back to Vasai Fort in 11 days, 22 hours, and 13 minutes, where she was the youngest and only female participant.

Recognition and Support

The Western Naval Command (WNC) congratulated Jiya on her achievements. Her father, Madan Rai, serves in the Indian Navy, and the naval community has shown immense support for her endeavors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, learning, and behavior. Jiya’s accomplishments are especially significant given the challenges associated with ASD.