Jiya Rai: Youngest & Fastest swimmer to cross English Channel

Jiya's Background and Aspirations

• Jiya Rai is a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• She is the daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at- in Mumbai.
• Despite her condition, Jiya has set an ambitious goal: to become the world's youngest para swimmer to conquer all seven oceans.
• ASD is a neurological and developmental condition that affects Arms, serving
• social interaction, communication, learning, and behavior.
• Jiya's determination and spirit shine through, overcoming the challenges posed by her condition.
• Her achievements have garnered national recognition, including being featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' episode on February 18, 2021.

Remarkable Swimming Achievements

Palk Strait Crossing:

• • Swam from Talaimannar (Sri Lanka) to Dhanuskodi (India) on March 20, 2022.
  • Covered 29 kilometers in a world record time of 13 hours and 10 minutes.
  • Became the youngest and fastest female to swim across the Palk Strait.

Mumbai to Goa Relay Swim:

• • Part of a six-member relay team in December 2022.
  • Swam an impressive 1,100 kilometers.
  • Journey from Mumbai to Goa and back to Vasai Fort.
  • Completed the task in 11 days, 22 hours, and 13 minutes.
  • Youngest and only female participant on the team.

Other Accomplishments:

• • Swam across the Palk Bay (specific details not provided).
  • Earned medals in national and state open-water sea-swimming championships.

Recognition and Records

• Records acknowledged by the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records.
• Featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program.
• Recognized by the Western Naval Command (WNC) for her achievements.
• Aspires to set a world record as the youngest para swimmer to conquer all seven oceans.
• Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that disabilities need not be barriers to achieving extraordinary feats.

About English Channel

• Between the northern and southern coasts of France and England is a narrow part of the Atlantic Ocean known as the English Channel.
• Mihir Sen, first Indian to swim across the English Channel in 1958.
•  Aarti Saha, first Indian woman to swim across the Channel in 1959.
• Anita Sood holds the fastest swim record in 1987.
• Captain Matthew Webb, first successful swimmer in 1875, also swims the English Channel.
• Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel holds the record with 44 swims.