India (Commonwealth Union)_ Mumbai’s Jiya Rai, an extraordinary 17-year-old para swimmer, has made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the prestigious World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Award for 2024 in the Adaptive Performance category. This remarkable achievement marks a major milestone in the world of open water swimming, and it is a testament to her determination, skill, and resilience. The WOWSA Award, founded in 2008, is one of the highest honors in the realm of open water swimming, recognizing the best swimmers, events, and organizations in this demanding sport.
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Jiya’s achievement was officially announced on February 17, 2025, at a ceremony held in San Francisco, California. She stands out not only for her remarkable swimming abilities but also for her inspiring story as a swimmer with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Jiya’s journey to global recognition reached new heights when, on July 28, 2024, she became the youngest female para swimmer in the world to successfully swim across the English Channel. She completed the 34-kilometer swim from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in an impressive 17 hours and 25 minutes. This accomplishment made her the first-ever swimmer with ASD to cross the English Channel solo, further solidifying her place in history.
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Jiya’s remarkable achievements did not stop there. In 2022, Jiya set the world record for being the youngest and fastest female swimmer to cross the Palk Strait, a 29-kilometer stretch between Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi in India. She completed the swim in just 13 hours and 10 minutes at the age of 13 years and 10 months. This record, along with her previous world records in 14 km, 22 km, and 36 km para-category swims, has earned her admiration and recognition across the globe. Her efforts were even acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised her on the popular radio show Mann Ki Baat.
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Jiya’s accomplishments have also earned her several prestigious awards. She was honored with the National Award of Disability in 2023 and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022, the highest civilian honor for citizens below 18 years of age in India. She also holds a special place in the swimming world, having registered her achievements in both the Asia Books of Records and India Books of Records. Apart from her world record swims, Jiya also demonstrated immense endurance during a challenging 1,100 km swim relay from Mumbai to Goa and back to Vasai Fort. Between December 17-29, 2022, she swam as part of a six-member relay team for 11 days, 22 hours, and 13 minutes, making her the youngest and only female participant in the team.
Jiya’s goals extend beyond these monumental accomplishments. She is determined to become the first and youngest para swimmer in the world to swim across all seven oceans, further cementing her legacy in the world of swimming. Jiya Rai’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Her groundbreaking achievements in open water swimming not only bring pride to India but also inspire athletes around the world, demonstrating that disabilities do not define one’s potential.
