Demonstrating extraordinary grit and endurance, 18-year-old para swimmer Jiya Rai from Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh has carved her name into international sports history. Navigating demanding open water currents in New York, Jiya successfully completed a solo 48-kilometer swim around Manhattan Island. With this landmark effort, she became the first female para swimmer in the world to earn the highly coveted Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.
Conquering the 48 km Manhattan Course in 8 Hours 53 Minutes
Jiya Rai commenced her challenging maritime effort under the 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan banner from Battery Park City in New York. Navigating the demanding waters, she reached her destination in just 8 hours and 53 minutes. This achievement places her firmly in the records of the nearly century-old Manhattan swimming circuit. Furthermore, Jiya has become the first individual diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder to reach this global open-water benchmark.
Navigating 20°C Waters, Hypothermia Risks, and Heavy Boat Traffic
Highlighting the hazards involved in the Manhattan circuit, Jiya’s father, Madan Rai, explained that swimming around the island is considered one of the most perilous water challenges globally. Water temperatures hovered around 20 degrees Celsius, carrying serious risks of physical numbness and hypothermia. Beyond the chilling temperatures, swimmers must battle rapid water currents while constantly dodging navigation routes used by active boat traffic. Despite these daunting circumstances, Jiya maintained steady momentum throughout the course.
The Road to the Triple Crown: English Channel and Catalina Successes
Securing the Triple Crown is widely regarded as the ultimate dream for marathon swimmers across the globe. Although Jiya lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is non-verbal, she has consistently overcome physical and communication barriers through athletic discipline. To complete the three mandatory legs of the Triple Crown, Jiya previously crossed the English Channel in 2024. She followed that accomplishment by swimming across the Catalina Channel in 2025, setting up her final success in Manhattan.
Consul General Honors in New York and National Recognition
Following her record-breaking swim, Jiya Rai was formally felicitated in New York by India's Consul General, Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh. Her athletic feats have repeatedly drawn high-level recognition both in India and internationally. In 2022, she received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar directly from the Prime Minister. She was subsequently honored with the Divyang Sashaktikaran Rashtriya Puraskar in 2023 and earned the internationally acclaimed WOWSA Award in 2024.
