Mumbai teen becomes First Female Para-Swimmer to Achieve Triple Crown

Mumbai: Jiya Rai, an 18-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder from Navy Nagar, Colaba, became the first female para-swimmer to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming after finishing the 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in New York City on Aug 30. Jiya completed the 48-kilometre solo swim in eight hours and 53 minutes, becoming the first female para-swimmer and the first girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder to achieve the feat in the event’s nearly 100-year history. She dedicated the swim to raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, said an

Indian Navy official.

Jiya’s proud father,

Madan Rai (a Junior Commissioner Officer (Master-at-Arms) in the Indian Navy) told

TOI: “She began the swim from Battery Park City early in the morning and finished that afternoon. Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, deputy consul general of India in New York, felicitated her. The Triple Crown comprises the English Channel, which Jiya crossed in 2024; the Catalina Channel, completed in 2025; and the 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan.”

The official said the Manhattan swim is among the world’s toughest open-water challenges because of powerful tidal currents, unpredictable weather, heavy boat traffic and changing currents.

Water temperatures of about 20°C in Aug can also increase the risk of hypothermia.

Rai said under New York Open Water Swimming Association rules, swimmers cannot leave the water or touch the escort boat or accompanying people. Food and drinks are supplied through a feeding pole while swimmers remain in the water. “Jiya was supported by HT Parekh Foundation, NWWA (Western Region), Bagwadia Foundation, Indian Oil and Mazagon Dock Limited. Her other achievements include solo swims across Palk Strait in 2022, English Channel in 2024 and Catalina Channel in 2025. She was the first girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder to swim solo across the English Channel. Her honours include the WOWSA Award 2024, National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 and Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022,” he said.