Overview

• Rai completed the 34 km solo swim from Catalina Island to near San Pedro, California, in 15 hours, 1 minute and 43 seconds after starting at midnight on September 25.
• Media reports and officials state she is the first female para-swimmer with autism to finish the Catalina Channel crossing.
• She dedicated the Los Angeles–area swim to raising awareness of autism.
• The route is known for treacherous currents, roughly 18°C water that can trigger hypothermia, jellyfish risks, and strict solo-swim rules that prohibit touching the escort boat, with nutrition passed by stick.
• Rai earlier swam the English Channel in 2024 in 17 hours 25 minutes, with a PIB note citing her as the youngest and fastest para-swimmer for a solo crossing, and she has received WOWSA, national disability, and Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar honors.