Jiah has made many records with autism spectrum disorder.
Jagran correspondent, Varanasi. Indian swimming's new sensation Jiya Rai has been awarded the prestigious Audrey Scott Award for becoming the youngest successful swimmer of the year 2024 to cross the English Channel. On 28 July 2024, 17-year-old Indian para swimmer Jiya Rai was presented the award by the Channel Swimming and Pilot Federation of the United Kingdom. Jiya is the first para swimmer in the world to receive this award.
Jiya became the first female para swimmer suffering from autism spectrum disorder to swim solo across the English Channel, covering a distance of 34 kilometers in 17 hours and 25 minutes. This achievement earned him a special place in history. Subsequently, she set another record by swimming the Catalina Channel of the USA on 26 September 2025, making her the first female para swimmer in the world to achieve this feat alone.
Zia's notable achievements include:
- Youngest female para-swimmer to swim solo across the English Channel (2024) - First girl with autism spectrum disorder to swim solo across the English Channel (2024) - First female para-swimmer to swim solo across the Catalina Channel (2025) - World record holder for Catalina Channel swim (2025) - WOWSA Award 2024, National Disability Award 2023 and Prime Minister's National Child Award 2022 recipients
Jiah's determination and resilient spirit make her an icon of advocacy, inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and disabilities. His achievements not only symbolize personal success but also promote awareness and acceptance of disability in the society.