<h5>Teenager creates history!</h5><p>Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old girl who suffers from autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has become the youngest and fastest para-swimmer in the world to swim across the English Channel.</p><p>The super-talented teenager covered 34 kilometres in 17 hours and 25 minutes. She is also the first girl with ASD to achieve this incredible feat.</p><p>She began her efforts from the Abbotts Cliff, England and finished at Pte De La Courte-Dune, France. Rai has dedicated the swim to autism awareness. Many have congratulated the youngster and are very proud of her amazing achievement.</p><figure class="image"><img alt="Jiya 2.jpg" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/newsahoot.appspot.com/Jiya_2_4add241123.jpg"><figcaption>Jiya Rai with the Indian flag. Photo by India in the UK.</figcaption></figure><h5>About Jiya Rai.</h5><figure class="image"><img alt="Jiya 3.jpg" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/newsahoot.appspot.com/Jiya_3_0748db1a77.jpg"><figcaption>A souvenir presented to Jiya Rai following her success. Photo by&nbsp;<br>Western Naval Command.</figcaption></figure><p>Jiya is the talented daughter of an Indian Navy personnel who was diagnosed with ASD at the young age of two.</p><p>Despite that, she found her passion in swimming. Her parents encouraged and guided her through videos, which led to a successful para-swimming career.</p><p>In 2022, she created a world record for the fastest swim across the Palk Strait. She has also participated in various swimming events and has won many accolades, including the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.</p><p>She is also determined to become the world's first and youngest para swimmer to swim seven oceans.</p><h5>How difficult is it to swim across the English Channel?</h5><p>It is a narrow arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates England’s southern coast from France's northern coast.</p><p>This water body is 560 kilometres in length. At its widest point, it spans 240 kilometres, while at its narrowest, it is only 34 kilometres. Swimmers usually cross the English Channel at its narrowest point.</p><p>The Channel is famous for its treacherous currents and cold temperatures. It is also one of the busiest water bodies, with many ships passing through. Jellyfish and debris can also be a danger.</p><p>Weather conditions vary frequently, making it nearly impossible to plan the swim in advance. Overall, it is a very difficult and challenging swim.</p><p>Also, rules state that while swimming across the English Channel, swimmers mustn’t leave the water or touch anyone accompanying them. They are also handed over food and water using a long stick.</p><h5>What is autism spectrum disorder?</h5><p>It is a mental disorder that affects how people learn, communicate, interact with others, behave, form relationships, and understand the world around them.</p><p>That doesn’t mean we need to treat them differently or make fun of them. People on the autism spectrum need support, care, kindness, and respect, just like any other person.</p><p>So, Jiya Rai's accomplishments, even while suffering from ASD, are fantastic and should be applauded. She did not let her disability stop her from chasing after her dreams. She is a role model for many and can help inspire other youngsters to achieve their dreams.</p>

16-year-old Jiya Rai suffers from autism spectrum disorder, but she doesn’t allow it to stop her from achieving incredible things.

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