16-Year-Old Indian Girl With Autism Swims Across English Channel
First Published: 31st July, 2024 11:50 IST
Jiya Rai who is the daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II, Indian Navy, is the first girl with autism spectrum disorder to achieve this
A 16-year-old girl, Jiya Rai, with autism spectrum disorder, successfully swam across the English Channel, a distance of 34 km, in 17 hours and 25 minutes and became the youngest and fastest para swimmer in the world to achieve this feat in solo swimming.
In the 150-year history of channel swimming, Jiya who is the daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II, Indian Navy, is the first girl with autism spectrum disorder to achieve this.
She started her heroic effort on July 28 at Abbotts Cliff, England, and finished at Pte De La Courte-Dune, France, in the early hours of July 29.
Jiya dedicated this swim for autism awareness, and in recognition of this endeavour, English Channel Sea Swimming from July 21 to 28 was dedicated for autism awareness.
The Channel is known for its treacherous currents. It’s water temperature in July is 180 C and can cause hypothermia.
Besides the hazards of jelly fish and debris, the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with over 600 tankers, ferries and other vessels crossing daily.
Weather conditions change abruptly making it almost impossible to plan the swim in advance.
As per the Channel Swimming Association rules, the swimmer cannot leave the water or touch the pilot boat or anyone that accompanies the swimmer. Food and liquids are handed over by boat crew using a long stick.
More people have scaled Mount Everest than swim across the English Channel. In the last 100 years, only about 1,700 people have swum across the English Channel.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Tripura Govt To Give Jobs To Kin Of 18 People Killed In Political Violence Before 2018
22nd June 2025
Live Arunachal CM Unveils New Adventure Zone at Fong Fong Ma Falls to Boost Eco-Tourism
22nd June 2025
Live “A huge loss for Manipur and airline.., We’re doing our best to honour our daughter”: AAI Director
22nd June 2025
Live Royal Brothers Club Cleans Up NH-2 in Senapati on World Motorcycle Day
22nd June 2025
WE RECOMMEND
NorthEast United FC’s Naushad Moosa Named India U-23 Team’s Head Coach
Naushad Moosa will start his new assignment on June 1, when the squad assembles for a preparatory camp.
19th June 2025
Shubman Gill opens up on Rohit-Kohli’s Test captaincy ahead of England series
The kind of environment I think Rohit bhai keeps. Like, even if Rohit bhai is swearing at you, you would not take it to your heart.
16th June 2025
MS Dhoni becomes India’s 11th inductee into ICC Hall of Fame
Dhoni has won ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 for India as a skipper.
10th June 2025
“This is very special for her as well”: Virat Kohli on Anushka’s constant support for RCB, couple seals IPL win with hugs, kisses
Anushka lovingly consoled her emotional husband. She gave him a peck on his cheek. Virat also planted a sweet kiss on hisforehead.
04th June 2025
“Cannot play as an impact player, I look for ways to improve…”: Virat Kohli after RCB’s maiden IPL win
This win is for Bangalore. And it is for each and every one of the players, and the families, and the whole management as well, Virat said.
04th June 2025