12-Year-Old Yu Zidi Makes History at World Aquatics Championships

Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi has become the youngest athlete ever to win a medal at the World Aquatics Championships. At just 12 years old, she played a key role in China’s bronze-winning performance in the women’s 4×200 metre freestyle relay by competing in the heats. Her contribution earned her a medal under championship rules.

Yu’s individual efforts at the championships in Singapore also drew international attention. She narrowly missed out on a medal in the 200 metre individual medley, finishing fourth in a personal best time that placed her just fractions of a second behind the podium finishers. She also placed fourth in the 200 metre butterfly, once again challenging more experienced competitors.

Her breakthrough comes just months after posting record-breaking times for her age at China’s national championships, performances that would have stood up at major global events. Starting competitive swimming at age six, Yu now trains in Baoding and has quickly risen through the ranks.

At 12, Yu Zidi is not just breaking records. She is redefining what young athletes can achieve on the world stage.

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