Sheffield alumna claims title of ‘first woman of colour’ to row across the Atlantic

Sheffield resident and graduate, Ananya Prasad (UGCert Economics 2024), became the first woman of colour to row solo across any ocean after completing a 3,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic. 

Ananya, who was born in India, started her journey on 11 December 2024 from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, before completing the voyage in Antigua, after 52 days at sea.

Speaking before she set off, Ananya said: “This isn’t just about me. It’s about encouraging women of colour – and anyone from a different background – to take on challenges they might not have considered possible”. 

Ananya took part in the challenge to help raise money for the Mental Health Foundation and the Deenabandhu Trust, which offers a home and education for children who have been orphaned and living in poverty in South India.