Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old from Mumbai diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, has made history by becoming the world’s youngest and fastest female para swimmer to cross the English Channel. She completed the remarkable feat between July 28 and 29, swimming from Abbot’s Cliff in England to Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France — a distance of 34 kilometers — in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
Jiya is the daughter of Madan Rai, an MC-at-Arms currently serving in Mumbai. The Western Naval Command (WNC) extended heartfelt congratulations to her on this outstanding achievement.
“All personnel of WNC convey their heartiest congratulations to Jiya Rai for becoming the world’s youngest and fastest female para swimmer to successfully swim solo across the English Channel,” the Western Naval Command posted on X (formerly Twitter).
They also highlighted her background and accomplishments, noting, “Jiya, a 16-year-old girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is the daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms, serving in Mumbai. She has many inspiring achievements to her credit, including her swim across the Palk Bay.”
Defying all odds, Jiya is now pursuing an even greater mission — to become the world’s first and youngest para swimmer to conquer all seven oceans.
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