When five-year-old swimmer Tamogna Mothukuri began her swim in Lindau, Germany, her father and ace swimmer Tulasi Chaitanya crossed his fingers and prayed for her success.
A recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2022, Tulasi Chaitanya has been training Tamogna since she was just eight months old. Now, she was competing in her first international open water swim event at Lake Bodensee, swimming from Lindau, Germany to Bregenz, Austria.
Amidst great excitement and joy, Tamogna completed the 6.340 km distance nonstop in 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds, becoming the youngest swimmer to achieve this feat. “My father was very proud of my achievement. He hugged me and was very emotional. I felt like I was on top of the world,” Tamogna said with a smile while speaking to Global Indian.
Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, is a 63-km-long Central European lake that borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Surrounded by resort towns, it is a popular summer destination for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming.
The Big Swim
“The water temperature was around 22°C, and the depth of the lake is 251 meters,” Tamogna shared. She completed the swim without wearing a neoprene suit. During both her training and the final swim at Lake Bodensee, the young swimmer was delighted to see ducks and different kinds of fish in the water.
Training and Diet
“My dad had earlier swum 12 km from Germany to Switzerland. He spoke to the organiser, Oliver Halder, to ask if I could swim the shortest distance available. We were told it was 6.3 km, and that’s when we decided I would take on the challenge,” Tamogna explained. After watching her swimming videos, the organiser was confident in her abilities and gave the green signal.
Tamogna’s intense training for Lake Bodensee began in January this year. Under her father’s guidance and supervision, she gradually started swimming up to 3 km nonstop. Her training included early morning swim sessions, breathing exercises, and other physical activities, with a strong focus on building stamina and endurance.
Her diet was carefully designed to be healthy and energy-packed. “It included protein-rich meals, fruits, and hydrating fluids,” the young champion said. She also practiced several breathing techniques, which helped her stay calm and focused in the water.
Celebration Followed
After her remarkable achievement, Tamogna celebrated her big day with her family and a few friends who had accompanied her to the event. “We visited some places in Germany and Austria and tried ice creams and marshmallows. It was a wonderful experience,” she said.
Inspired by Her Father
Born in July 2020 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, Tamogna is now studying in second grade at Ambitus World School, Vijayawada. Her father works as a Head Constable in the Special Branch of the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate.
An international swimmer who has completed swims across five oceans, Tulasi Chaitanya is Tamogna’s biggest inspiration. He has swum across the Catalina Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, the English Channel, and the North Channel (from Northern Ireland to Scotland).
“When I was just eight months old, my father brought a small tub and let me play in the water so I could become water-friendly,” Tamogna shared. He has also completed the 45.9 km 20 Bridges circumnavigation swim around Manhattan Island in New York in 7 hours and 45 minutes. Additionally, he completed the 26.4 km Chinmoy Marathon Swim from Rapperswil to Zurich in Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
At the age of one and a half, Tamogna was introduced to a swimming pool. “My father would let me play for hours in the baby pool and ask me to collect toys from underwater,” she recalled.
Looking Forward to the Asian Open in Thailand
Tamogna is now training for the Asian Open Schools Invitation Meet to be held in Thailand next year. She practices swimming regularly before and after school. Her father is dedicating significant time to ensure she receives proper training for the upcoming event.
Winner of Gold Medals
Previously, the young swimmer participated in the Andhra Pradesh state modern pentathlon laser run event and won a relay gold medal along with her partner, Aarya Nikee. She also took part in biathlete and triathlete events in Kakinada, winning gold medals in the relay category in both competitions.
“At the state level, I have won three gold medals in modern pentathlon events,” she said.
To stay fit, she practices pranayama along with strength workouts such as push-ups, squats, tricep dips, and pull-ups.
Interests and Advice
Apart from swimming, Tamogna enjoys skating, cycling, and running. “I am also learning Carnatic music,” she said. She loves reading storybooks and watching cartoon shows.
Speaking about the benefits of swimming, Tamogna encourages everyone to learn how to swim so they can stay strong, healthy, and happy.
Concluding her message, she said, “I have heard about many drowning incidents. I request everyone to learn swimming, because it can be a lifesaver.”
