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Young Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi impressed spectators at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore by competing in the 200-meter individual medley at the age of just 12.
Yu is scheduled to participate in the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter butterfly events.
Yu Zidi of China prepares to compete in the women’s 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Yu finished the 200 IM with a time of 2 minutes, 11.90 seconds, securing a spot in the semifinals with the 15th fastest time among the 16 qualifiers.
Having started swimming at the young age of six, Yu shared, “The summer was too hot, and my dad took me to the water park. I enjoyed the coolness of the water and spent a lot of time in different small pools for kids. One day, a coach approached me and asked if I wanted to swim faster.”
Yu Zidi of China competes in the women’s 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Yu expressed her aspirations, stating, “My age is currently an advantage. I hope to grow and develop more strength in the future. I really want to experience world-class competition.”
Despite being only 12 years old, Yu was almost selected for the China Olympic Team for the 2024 Paris Games, falling short by just a few seconds.
Yu Zidi of China on her back in the women’s 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
If Yu secures a medal in any of her events, she would be the youngest swimmer to do so since Denmark’s Inge Sorensen won a medal a month after turning 12 at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
