The 12-Year-Old Swimming Sensation at the World Aquatics Championships

Twelve-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi has become a prominent figure at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. Her performance has garnered significant attention from the international swimming community.

In the women's 200-meter butterfly final, Yu, the sole Chinese competitor, achieved a personal best of 2:06.43, securing fourth place. She was only a fraction of a second away from the bronze medal.

Before the championships, Yu's potential was already recognized. A prominent U.S. swimming publication emphasized her ability to compete with elite athletes at such a young age, distinguishing her from other young talents.

Earlier in the year, Yu set a record at the Chinese National Championships in the women's 200-meter individual medley, becoming the fastest 12-year-old in history for that event. Her times in the 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter individual medley are also noteworthy, with times that would have placed her among the top competitors at the recent Paris Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee has also acknowledged her potential, comparing her to Summer McIntosh, the Canadian swimmer who achieved significant success at the Paris Olympics. Yu's inspiration is Li Bingjie, a fellow swimmer from her home province. Yu's coach shared that she keeps a motivational quote from Li in her locker. When asked about her prodigy status, Yu attributed her success to hard work and consistent training.