Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai, 18, created history by completing the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, becoming the first female para-swimmer with ASD to achieve the feat.
At just 18 years old, Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai scripted history and became the first female para-swimmer to win the triple crown of open-water swimming. Jiya completed the 48-km 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in New York on August 30, finishing the record swim in a mammoth 8 hours and 53 minutes. Jiya Rai thus became the first para-swimmer with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to complete the feat in the tournament’s nearly 100-year history.
Meanwhile, Jiya’s Triple Crown includes the English Channel (2024), Catalina Channel and the Bridges Swim Around Manhattan.
For the unversed, the Manhattan swim is one of the toughest open-water challenges. The swimmers have to deal with strong currents, unpredictable weather and cold water, and they must also remain in the water to complete the challenge, but Jiya aced it in style. She dedicated her achievement to raising awareness about autism.
Who Is Jiya Rai?
Jiya is the daughter of Indian Navy officer Madan Rai. Apart from the Manhattan swim, she has also completed difficult swims like Palk Strait and more. The para-swimmer was honoured by Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, for her colossal feat.