Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala

Zayne’s authentic story is bigger than that of any changemaker, and the embodiment of lasting positive change itself. He stands as a living testament to the UAE President’s vision for this Year of Community, inspiring nations and generations worldwide to boldly lead with a purpose-driven vision, to rise above every challenge, and to dream, chase and achieve a truly limitless, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Honoured by world leaders including UAE Royalty, government, diplomats, changemakers, and sports icons, and featured in national and global media, Zayne has been celebrated on the world stage for breaking barriers, disrupting the status quo, and achieving a future that no one ever dared to imagine. 
This Gen Z trailblazing Person of Determination and Global Autism Ambassador made history at just 14 years old by becoming the first neurodivergent and youngest individual ever to shatter the Guinness World Record for fastest inline skating 10km. He is also a Torchbearer for the Special Olympics as the only athlete in the world today to have skated more than a full marathon distance of 42.55km redefining Special Olympics global limits of just 100m by 425.5 times, and rewriting what is possible for athletes of determination. Khaleej Times also recognised Zayne as the first neurodivergent and youngest Gen Z Changemaker in KT+150 Sports | UAE’s Future Champions and Athletes inspiring the next generation.

Zayne is also a Universal Human Inventor with a breakthrough USPTO-filed patent using AI for Good. This unified invention is a sustainability and inclusion-first generational blueprint for an equitable, connected and resilient world, designed to empower neurodiverse, underserved, and disadvantaged populations, while remaining universally desirable and applicable for people of all abilities.

With a vision beyond that of an eagle and courage greater than a lion, Zayne’s transformational journey of bravely challenging societal perceptions about autism and turning adversity into opportunity through his Authentic Intelligence (AI) by refusing to be defied by limits and punching above his weight, serves as a beacon of limitless human ability. By soaring above every storm, Zayne has unlocked his true potential to become a World Champion of Inclusive Excellence and ignited a global I’M POSSIBLE movement.

His pathway to joyful independence is a light in the dark, a source of hope and inspiration for all those who have fallen and forgotten how to rise. Zayne reminds the world that no dream is out of reach, and that the impossible truly becomes possible when passion meets purpose and perseverance.