Sixteen-year-old Divya Mahajan, originally from Nashik, Maharashtra, completed a solo swim across the English Channel from England to France on October 3, 2026, in 14 hours and 35 minutes. The Channel Swimming Association (CSA) currently lists the crossing as unratified. The achievement followed her solo Catalina Channel crossing in September 2025 and North Channel crossing in August 2026.
Through her initiative, Mission Sapt Sagar, Divya aims to complete the seven swims that make up the Oceans Seven challenge by 2028, before turning 19. She is also using her swimming journey to raise funds for BBC Children in Need and encourage girls to pursue opportunities in sports and education.
From Nashik To Oceans
Originally from Nashik, Divya had been swimming for nearly all her life before developing an interest in long-distance open-water swimming. Her journey towards international channel crossings gained momentum in September 2025, when, aged 15, she completed a solo crossing of the Catalina Channel in California. She covered approximately 34 kilometres in 15 hours and 23 minutes.
She was reported to be the youngest Indian swimmer to complete the crossing solo. On August 23, 2026, she completed the North Channel crossing between Northern Ireland and Scotland, covering approximately 35 kilometres in 15 hours and 50 minutes. She was also reported to be the world’s youngest female swimmer to complete this crossing. Her next major challenge was the English Channel, which she crossed on October 3.
The CSA’s official record lists her crossing time as 14 hours and 35 minutes. However, the association currently marks the swim as unratified. Speaking about the experience, Divya described it as challenging, particularly because of changing weather conditions. She said, “It was good, but it was challenging.”
Mission Sapt Sagar
Divya’s ambition extends beyond completing individual channel crossings. Through Mission Sapt Sagar, she aims to complete the Oceans Seven challenge, which comprises seven demanding open-water swims across different parts of the world. Having completed the Catalina, North and English Channel crossings, four swims remain: the Cook Strait, Tsugaru Channel, Strait of Gibraltar and Molokai Channel.
She hopes to complete the challenge by 2028, before turning 19. Divya moved to the UK at the age of 15 to pursue her swimming ambitions and is studying for her A-levels at Cardinal Newman College in Preston. Balancing her education with swimming commitments forms part of her journey. Her English Channel crossing involved support from her father and coach, who accompanied her on a support boat.
Divya has connected her sporting ambitions with a social cause by raising funds for BBC Children in Need. As reported on October 8, 2026, she had raised £2,151 following her English Channel crossing. She has also spoken about the importance of giving girls equal opportunities in sports, saying that they should be allowed to demonstrate what they are capable of.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Divya Mahajan’s journey highlights the importance of determination, encouragement and equal opportunities in helping young people pursue their ambitions. Her achievements demonstrate why girls must have access to sporting facilities, training and the support needed to explore their potential. Families, schools and sporting institutions have an important role in creating environments where young athletes are encouraged rather than limited by stereotypes.
Her efforts to combine swimming with fundraising for children also highlight how individual sporting pursuits can contribute to wider social causes. At The Logical Indian, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, participate and succeed, regardless of gender or background. What more can families, schools and communities do to encourage young girls to pursue their sporting dreams?
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