Chinese swimming prodigy Yu Zidi, only 13, broke a 13-year-old Asian record in the women’s 200m medley at China’s National Games in Shenzhen.
A 13-year-old swimmer from Hebei, China, stunned the swimming world on November 11th. Yu Zidi, affectionately called “Little Sister” by Chinese netizens, won the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the 15th National Games in Shenzhen with a time of 2:07.41, breaking a 13-year-old Asian record, according to CNS. Veteran swimmer Yu Yiting finished second.
Yu’s remarkable swim not only secured her the gold medal but also marked a breakthrough for China’s new generation of swimmers.
Ye Shiwen set the previous record at the 2012 London Olympics, the same year 13-year-old Yu Zidi was born.
A Young Talent on the Rise
Born on October 16th, 2012, in Baoding, Hebei Province, Yu began swimming at the age of six. She joined the Baoding Swimming Team and later entered the Hebei provincial training program. In 2022, at just nine years old, she earned the title of national first-class athlete and joined the Hebei Taihua Jinye Swimming Club for advanced training.
Her rise has been rapid. In March 2023, Yu made her debut at a national competition, finishing tenth in the women’s 400-meter individual medley at the National Spring Championships. Two months later, she became the youngest medalist in the history of the National Swimming Championships, winning silver in the 400m medley. That’s when her nickname “Little Sister” began to spread among Chinese fans.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
This year has been exceptional for the teenage swimmer. In May, she clocked 2:10.63 in the 200m medley at the National Championships, the fastest time ever recorded by someone her age. Then in July, at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, she made history again — becoming the youngest medalist at a major international swimming event in 89 years.
On November 11th, Yu took another leap forward in Shenzhen. Her 2:07.41 finish not only shattered the long-standing Asian record but also positioned her among the brightest young talents in world swimming.
Gaining International Attention
Yu’s breakthrough has already drawn global attention. The World Aquatics Federation shared her results on social media, calling her performance “a talent alert.” Major international news agencies, including AFP and AP, have also reported on her rapid rise.
As China prepares for future Olympic cycles, Yu Zidi’s performance offers a glimpse into the country’s next generation of swimming stars — young, fearless, and already making waves on the international stage.
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