China’s 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi clocks 2:05.08 to interrupt Asian Games file, wins 200m butterfly gold; she additionally turned youngest medallist in World Championships swimming historical past in 2025

China’s teenage swimming sensation Yu Zidi accomplished a memorable Asian Games debut by profitable the ladies’s 200m butterfly gold with a brand new Games file in Japan on Sunday.The 13-year-old, who turns 14 subsequent month, clocked 2:05.08 to interrupt the Asian Games file set by China’s Zhang Yufei on the Hangzhou Games three years in the past. Zhang had received the occasion in 2:05.57, and Yu completed practically half a second faster.Yu crossed the end line 3.36 seconds forward of fellow Chinese swimmer Chang Mohan, who took silver.The victory gave Yu her first main particular person gold medal and got here within the first of the three particular person occasions she is scheduled to compete in on the Asian Games, the place the swimming competitiona are being held in Tokyo.

Youngest medallist in World Championships swimming historical past

Yu introduced herself on the global community stage final yr when she turned the youngest medallist in World Championships swimming historical past. At the age of 12, she received bronze as a part of China’s 4x200m freestyle relay staff.

China’s Yu Zidi in motion in the course of the Women’s 200m Butterfly Heat 2

She additionally completed fourth in three particular person occasions on the World Championships, narrowly lacking out on medals.This yr, Yu has continued her rise, together with a win over American Olympic champion Regan Smith in March.The schoolgirl, identified for her pixie haircut, is predicted to be among the many contenders on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Despite her success, Yu has spoken concerning the stress that comes with competing at such a younger age.Ahead of final yr’s China National Games, she stated the stress of attempting to win the 400m particular person medley virtually turned an excessive amount of.Her coach inspired her to maintain going and “imagine in your self”, she stated, as quoted by AFP.Yu went on to win 4 medals on the National Games.Her speedy rise has additionally sparked dialogue inside swimming over the psychological and bodily calls for of elite-level coaching and competitors at such a younger age.Under World Aquatics guidelines, the minimal age for cross-border championships is 14, though exceptions could be made for youthful swimmers in the event that they meet the qualifying normal.