Her remarkable achievement not only secured her second place in the solo category but also made her the second-fastest solo woman to ever complete the race.

A journey fueled by passion and perseverance

Ananya’s adventure began on December 11, 2024, in La Gomera, Canary Islands, and concluded on February 1, 2025, in Antigua’s English Harbour. As the granddaughter of renowned Kannada poet G.S. Shivarudrappa, Ananya’s expedition is deeply rooted in both her cultural heritage and personal ambition. Though she moved to the UK at the age of six, her Indian roots remain an integral part of her identity, shaping the resilience and determination that defined her journey.

Preparing for such an extreme endeavor was no small feat. She dedicated over three years to rigorous training, focusing on developing physical endurance, technical rowing skills, and mental resilience. The training regimen included specialized rowing techniques, strength conditioning, psychological endurance workshops, and open-water navigation practice.

Overcoming the Atlantic’s relentless challenges

Throughout her solo expedition, Ananya faced an array of formidable challenges that tested her endurance and problem-solving skills. Battling harsh weather conditions, towering waves, and relentless winds, she had to navigate through some of the most unpredictable waters on Earth.

One of her most daunting moments came when her boat’s rudder broke mid-journey. With no external assistance allowed, she had to dive beneath the vessel in 20-knot winds to carry out repairs—an incredibly difficult task, especially considering her unease with deep-sea swimming. She also had to perform regular dives to scrape barnacles off the hull to maintain her boat’s speed, a task made even more challenging by the exhausting conditions of the open sea.

Despite these hurdles, she pressed on, rowing an average of 60-70 kilometers daily, relying on carefully planned nutrition and hydration strategies to sustain her strength.

Rowing for a Cause: Advocacy beyond the waters

Beyond being a personal milestone, Ananya’s journey was also a mission to drive social change. She used her expedition as a platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health and children’s welfare. Her efforts successfully generated over £150,000 for two vital organizations—the Mental Health Foundation and the Deenabandhu Trust, which provides support for orphaned children in South India.

Her story exemplifies how personal ambition can be harnessed for a greater cause, inspiring individuals to push their limits while contributing to meaningful change in society.

Breaking barriers and inspiring generations

Ananya’s accomplishment is not just about crossing an ocean—it is about breaking barriers in adventure sports, a field where women of color have historically been underrepresented. By documenting her journey transparently and engaging with media and young aspirants, she has become a symbol of resilience, representation, and empowerment.

Her success sparks an important conversation about inclusivity in extreme sports and the need for more platforms that amplify diverse voices in adventure and exploration.

A Legacy of strength and determination

Ananya Prasad’s historic solo row across the Atlantic is a testament to human endurance, courage, and the power of purpose. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring adventurers, proving that with dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, even the most formidable challenges can be conquered.

Her story leaves us with an important question: How can we continue fostering an inclusive space where more diverse voices in sports and adventure are recognized and celebrated?

Key Statistics:

Expedition Duration: 52 days, 5 hours, 44 minutes

Distance Covered: 3,000 miles

Funds Raised: £150,000

Average Daily Rowing: 60-70 kilometers