(September 28, 2025) The chill of Lake Bodensee did little to slow six-year-old Mannem Nagasai Aashritha. Stroke after steady stroke, she cut across the deep blue waters, her small frame defying the vast expanse between Lindau in Germany and Bregenz in Austria. What was planned as a 5 km route turned into an unforgettable 6.3 km journey.
Mannem Nagasai Aashritha began treading water when she was just 18 months old. Her mother, Mothkuri Kiran Mounika who is a national-level swimmer introduced her to the pool early on, and swimming soon became an inseparable part of Aashritha’s life. Now six, Aashritha has achieved what many her age might never imagine. She participated in the Open Water Swim Event at Lake Bodensee, crossing from Lindau in Germany to Bregenz in Austria. “My aim is to keep improving my swimming skills and represent India in national and international competitions,” she smiles in a chat with Global Indian.
Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, stretches 63 km and borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Fringed by resort towns, it’s a favourite summer destination for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming.
The long swim
“I swam 6.3 km in 3 hours and 47 minutes,” says Aashritha, beaming with pride after her extraordinary feat on an international stage. The planned route was 5 km, but she ended up covering an extra 1.3 km, delighting onlookers with her determination.
A Grade 1 student at Orchids International School, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Aashritha recalls the cold, rough waters. “The water was deep and mostly clear, and I was completely focused on completing the long-distance swim safely,” says the child, whose achievement earned her a place in the coveted Hall of Fame as the youngest participant.
“This experience has motivated me to take on more challenges in the future. My parents were very happy and proud of my achievement. My mother said it felt like her own dream coming true,” shares the six-year-old, who was also congratulated by friends and teachers.
Months of preparation
For the Lake Constance event, Aashritha trained diligently for months to build stamina for long-distance swimming.
“My practice included early morning swims, breathing exercises, and other physical activities, all focused on building endurance,” she explains. Her diet was carefully planned to be both healthy and energy-packed, including fruits, protein-rich meals, and hydrating fluids.
Before this event, she also competed in the state modern pentathlon (swimming, running, and laser shooting) in Vijayawada, securing second place in the Under-9 category.
Touring Germany and Austria
After her remarkable swim, Aashritha celebrated her big day with family and friends who had also participated in the event. “During my trip, I visited parts of Germany and Austria. I loved eating blackberries, blueberries, apples, and pears that grow everywhere,” she says, adding that she also enjoyed plenty of ice cream and chocolates. Her mother accompanied her to Germany.
Guided by an ocean conqueror
While her mother introduced her to swimming, Aashritha also draws inspiration from her uncle, M. Tulasi Chaitanya, an international swimmer who has crossed five oceans.
A police constable with the Special Branch in Vijayawada, Chaitanya has swum across the Catalina Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, the English Channel, and the North Channel (from Northern Ireland to Scotland). He is a recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2022) and a ₹15 lakh cash prize presented by President Droupadi Murmu.
“He guides me regularly and gives me important tips because of his vast experience,” says Aashritha of her uncle, who also completed the 45.9 km 20 Bridges Circumnavigation Swim around Manhattan Island in New York in a record seven hours and 45 minutes, as well as the 26.4 km Chinmoy Marathon Swim in Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
“He even swam across Lake Bodensee as well,” she adds proudly.
Aashritha with her mother
Roots in Andhra Pradesh
Born on January 2, 2019, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Aashritha is the daughter of software engineer Gnana Shiva Kumar. “My parents are my biggest inspiration; they always encourage me to take up challenges,” says the young swimmer, who also enjoys drawing, cycling, running, visual art, and pottery.
She practices regularly at her school’s swimming pool. “When I visit my hometown, I practice in the Krishna River, which is close by,” says Aashritha, who names mathematics as her favorite subject.
Breathing, goals, and a message
Aashritha credits breathing exercises for helping her stay calm underwater. “I do light stretching and simple physical exercises as part of my training,” she says.
“I want to continue training in swimming and participate in more national and international events. Right now, I’m preparing for the National-level modern pentathlon scheduled to take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh,” adds the swimmer, who loves animated movies, cartoon shows, and listening to dance music and folk songs.
She also believes swimming is a lifesaving skill everyone should learn. “Nothing is impossible if you love what you do. Even if something looks difficult, with practice and dedication you can achieve it. You should believe in yourself and keep going,” she says with conviction.
ALSO READ: 8-year-old Indian scuba diver Tharaagai Aarathana’s deep dive into marine conservation
