Five-year-old girl swims five km at sea in 100 minutes, gets pat from DGP

M Lohita Sarakshi started her journey around 7 am and reached the sea behind Kannagi statue at 8.37 am. The crowd cheering for her included S Sylendrababu, DGP (Railways) and her father Mahimai Doss, a constable at Seven Wells police station. “I knew she could complete the task as she had enough practice. Though, I was a bit anxious because she is just five years old and scared of giant fishes and waves,” said Mahimai Doss.

After Lohita reached her destination, she was welcomed with garlands and sweets. However, medals and garlands were not new to her. She had won four gold medals and a silver medal in a state-level meet in Theni last year. It was her coach KS Ilangovan, who noticed her stamina and said that she can try long-distance swimming. Lohita practised for a month and thrice in the sea before the event.

Mahimai Doss himself is a swimmer and has participated in national-level events. Lohita was inspired by him. “I used to take her whenever I go swimming. She is not scared of water. She practices more than two hours in the morning and evening every day,” said Mahimai Doss.