Competing in the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi has left the sports world in awe with her remarkable performances, finishing just 0.06 seconds off a bronze medal in the 200-meter individual medley.
Despite being under the minimum age requirement of 14, Yu’s exceptional times have earned her a spot in the prestigious competition, where she is currently vying for medals in multiple events, including the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter butterfly.
Yu’s incredible talent was on full display at the national championships in May, where she set a new record for the fastest time ever recorded by a 12-year-old in the 200m individual medley, clocking in at 2:10.63.
Her 200m butterfly time of 2:06.83 would have placed her fourth in last year’s Olympics and fifth-fastest in the world this year.
The young swimmer’s rapid rise to fame began when she started swimming at the age of six, and a coach discovered her talent at a water park.
Since then, Yu has dedicated herself to training, with her sights set on the 2028 LA Olympics, where she hopes to compete as a 15-year-old medal contender.
Officials and fans alike are drawing comparisons between Yu and Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh, who made her Olympic debut at 14 and has since become a world champion.
American Katie Ledecky, who began her Olympic career at 15 and is now the most decorated female US Olympian, is also serving as an inspiration to the young swimmer.
As Yu continues to make waves in the swimming world, she remains grounded, focusing on her favorite events and looking forward to developing her strength in the future.
Her remarkable achievements have raised expectations for her performance at the World Aquatics Championships, and fans around the world are eagerly watching her progress.