Chinese schoolgirl Yu Zidi has made history as the youngest swimmer ever to win a medal at the World Aquatics Championships, after helping her nation secure bronze in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
The 12-year-old, who turns 13 in October, swam in the heats earlier this week, earning her a place on the podium despite missing Thursday’s final, which saw China finish third behind the United States and champions Australia.
Her achievement makes her the youngest medallist at a major international competition since Denmark’s Inge Sorensen claimed 200m breaststroke bronze at the 1936 Olympics, less than a month after turning 12.
“It feels quite emotional, it’s a nice feeling,” Yu said after the race.
The rising star narrowly missed out on individual medals in Singapore, finishing fourth in both the women’s 200m butterfly and the individual medley — the latter by just 0.06 seconds. In May, she set a world record for a 12-year-old in the 200m individual medley with a time of 2:10.63, prompting World Aquatics to call her a “sensation.”
However, Yu’s participation has sparked debate. Championship rules require swimmers to be at least 14, but she was granted entry after achieving the association’s ‘A’ standard qualifying times.
Four-time world champion Karen Pickering voiced concern over the physical demands placed on such a young athlete, warning of long-term impacts similar to those seen in elite gymnastics. Olympic medallist Steve Parry, however, praised her inclusion, likening her to early starters like Sharron Davies and Katie Ledecky, while stressing the need to safeguard her mental and physical well-being.
With her precocious talent and rapid rise, Yu Zidi is already being hailed as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects — and perhaps a future Olympic champion.
