At just 16 years old, Rai also became the first girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to complete a solo swim across the English Channel, achieving this incredible feat in 17 hours and 25 minutes.

Established in 2008, the WOWSA Awards celebrate remarkable achievements in open-water swimming by recognizing athletes, organizers, and contributors who have significantly advanced the sport. This year’s awards saw an overwhelming response, with 849 nominations from 24 countries, and 177 candidates competing across multiple categories.

The winners were selected through a rigorous process involving an 83-member WOWSA Awards Voting Academy and Advisory Board, which shortlisted 10 finalists per category. A combination of academy votes and over 6,000 public votes ultimately determined the winners.

WOWSA Executive Director Quinn Fitzgerald commended the winners, stating, "The WOWSA Awards honor the extraordinary individuals whose dedication and resilience shape the global open water swimming community. These nominees have profoundly impacted the sport, and we are privileged to celebrate them as true ambassadors of open-water swimming.”

Rai successfully completed the grueling 34km swim from Abbots Cliff in England to Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France on July 28-29, 2024. Her father, Madan Rai, told The Times of India (TOI) that "Jiya dedicated this swim to raising awareness about autism." In recognition of her efforts, the English Channel Sea Swimming 2024, held from July 21 to 28, was officially dedicated to autism awareness.

In Rai’s category, the silver medal was awarded to Julian Critchlow’s English Channel Database (UK), which has meticulously documented thousands of English Channel solo swims since 1875. The bronze went to the Ice Swimming Adventure Expedition to Antarctica (South Africa), which honored a daring expedition led by Ram Barkai of the International Ice Swimming Association, where 12 swimmers braved the icy Antarctic waters.

The English Channel, known for its treacherous currents and unpredictable conditions, presents a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned swimmers. Water temperatures in July hover around 18°C, putting swimmers at risk of hypothermia. Despite these extreme conditions, Jiya successfully completed the solo crossing, marking a significant milestone in the 150-year history of English Channel swimming.

Recognizing her outstanding achievements, an Indian Navy spokesperson highlighted that Jiya is the first female swimmer with ASD to complete this historic solo crossing.

Jiya Rai's dedication to swimming and autism awareness has earned her numerous accolades. She has previously received the National Award of Disability (2023) and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (2022), India’s highest honor for citizens under 18.

As a young swimmer with immense talent and an inspiring journey, Jiya Rai continues to break barriers and set new benchmarks in open-water swimming. Her achievements not only bring pride to India but also serve as an inspiration for athletes around the world, proving that determination and passion can overcome any challenge.