(October 20, 2025) This August when five-year-old swimmer Tamogna Mothukuri started swimming in Lindau, Germany, her father and ace swimmer Tulasi Chaitanya kept his fingers crossed.
A recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure award 2022, he had trained her ever since she was eight months old. And now, there she was, competing in her first international Open Water Swim Event at Lake Bodensee swimming from Lindau, Germany to Bregenz, Austria.
To his delight and those around, Tamogna swam a distance of 6.340 kms nonstop in 3 hours, 47 minutes and 54 seconds becoming the youngest swimmer to have done so. “My father was so proud of my achievement. He hugged me and was super thrilled. I was on top of the world,” smiles Tamogna, in a chat with Global Indian.
Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, is a 63 km long central European lake that borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Ringed by resort towns, it’s a summer destination for sailing, windsurfing and swimming.
The big swim
“The water temperature had an average of 22 degrees celsius and its depth was 251 metres,” informs Tamogna, who swam without the neoprene suit. During her training and her final swim at Lake Bodensee, the little swimmer was delighted to spot ducks and a variety of fishes.
Training and diet
“My dad previously swam a distance of 12 kms from Germany to Switzerland. He spoke to the organiser Oliver Halder for the shortest distance which I could swim. He was told it was 6.3 kms, that’s when we decided to do it,” says Tamogna. Once the organiser saw Tamogna’s videos of swimming, he got convinced with her skills, and gave the green signal.
Tamogna’s rigorous training for the Lake Bodensee started in the month of January this year. Under her father’s guidance and supervision, Tamogna began to swim non-stop for three kms. Her practice included early morning swims, breathing and other physical activities, while also working on building endurance.
Her diet was designed to be healthy and energy-packed. “It included protein-rich meals, fruits and hydrating fluids,” says the young swimming champ, who is looking forward to taking on more such challenges in future. She also did lots of breathing exercises which helped her stay calm under water.
Celebration followed
After her remarkable feat, Tamogna celebrated her big day with family and some friends, who accompanied her to the event. “We went around a few places in Germany and Austria and tried ice creams and marshmallows. It was a wonderful experience,” says Tamogna.
Inspired by her father
Born in July 2020 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, Tamogna is studying in the second standard in Ambitus World School Vijayawada. Her father works as a Head Constable in the Special Branch of Vijayawada Police Commissionerate.
An international swimmer who swam across five oceans, Tulasi Chaitanya is his daughter’s biggest inspiration. He has swam across the Catalina Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, English channel and North channel (Northern Ireland to Scotland).
“When I was eight months old, my father brought a small tub and made me play so that I become water friendly,” mentions Tamogna talking about her father, who has even completed the 45.9 km 20 bridges circumnavigation swim around Manhattan island in New York in record 7 hours, 45 minutes besides the 26.4 km Chinmoy marathon Swim Rapperswil-Zurich in Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
When she was one and half years old, Tamogna was introduced to the swimming pool. “My father used to make me play in the baby pool for hours, making me collect toys from under water,” she shares.
Tamogna with her father Tulasi Chaitanya
Looking forward to the the Asian open in Thailand
“I’m training for the Asian open schools invitation meet to be held next year in Thailand,” informs Tamogna, who goes for regular swimming practice everyday before and after school hours. Her father is making sure he spends enough time training Tamogna for the Asian Open.
Winner of gold medals
In the past, the young swimmer has participated in Andhra Pradesh state modern pentathlon laser run event and won relay gold with her partner Aarya Nikee. She also participated in the biathlete event in Kakinada and triathlete event and won gold in relay in both competitions.
“At state level, I won three gold medals in modern pentathlon events,” says the swimmer, who does pranayama and strength workouts like pushups, squads tricep dips, pull-ups to keep herself fit.
Interests and advice
Besides swimming, Tamogna likes to indulge in skating, cycling and running. “I’m learning carnatic music as well,” says the swimming champ, who likes to read story books and watch cartoon shows.
Talking about the virtues of swimming Tamogna urges everyone to learn swimming to become strong, healthy and happy. “I have heard about so many incidents of drowning. I urge everyone to learn how to swim, as it can be a life saver,” she signs off.
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