{"id":43809,"date":"2025-09-28T07:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T01:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalindian.com\/youth\/?post_type=story&p=43809"},"modified":"2025-09-30T19:45:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T14:15:22","slug":"little-wave-maker-6-year-old-aashrithas-big-swim","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/old.globalindian.com\/youth\/story\/cover-story\/little-wave-maker-6-year-old-aashrithas-big-swim\/","title":{"rendered":"Little Wave-Maker: 6-year-old Aashritha\u2019s big swim"},"content":{"rendered":"

(September 28, 2025) <\/strong>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s life. <\/span>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. \u201cMy aim is to keep improving my swimming skills and represent India in national and international competitions,\u201d she smiles in a chat with <\/span>Global Indian<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Aashritha\"

Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, stretches 63 km and borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Fringed by resort towns, it\u2019s a favourite summer destination for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long swim<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u201cI swam 6.3 km in 3 hours and 47 minutes,\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Grade 1 student at Orchids International School, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Aashritha recalls the cold, rough waters. \u201cThe water was deep and mostly clear, and I was completely focused on completing the long-distance swim safely,\u201d says the child, whose achievement earned her a place in the coveted <\/span>Hall of Fame<\/span><\/i> as the youngest participant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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,\u201d shares the six-year-old, who was also congratulated by friends and teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aashritha

Months of preparation<\/b><\/h2>\n

For the Lake Constance<\/a> event, Aashritha trained diligently for months to build stamina for long-distance swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy practice included early morning swims, breathing exercises, and other physical activities, all focused on building endurance,\u201d she explains. Her diet was carefully planned to be both healthy and energy-packed, including fruits, protein-rich meals, and hydrating fluids.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Touring Germany and Austria<\/b><\/h2>\n

After her remarkable swim, Aashritha celebrated her big day with family and friends who had also participated in the event. \u201cDuring my trip, I visited parts of Germany and Austria. I loved eating blackberries, blueberries, apples, and pears that grow everywhere,\u201d she says, adding that she also enjoyed plenty of ice cream and chocolates. Her mother accompanied her to Germany.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aashritha

Guided by an ocean conqueror<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u20b915 lakh cash prize presented by President Droupadi Murmu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe guides me regularly and gives me important tips because of his vast experience,\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe even swam across Lake Bodensee as well,\u201d she adds proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Aashritha