Chinese Swimmer Yu Zidi, 12, Breaks Record in 200m Medley

Beijing, China — Twelve-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi has become a sensation after setting a record in the 200-meter individual medley at China’s national championships. Yu completed the race in 2:10.63, the fastest time ever recorded by a swimmer in her age group.

This remarkable performance earned her a second-place finish, just behind Yu Yuting, a finalist from the 2024 Olympics. With this achievement, Yu Zidi has emerged as a strong contender for inclusion in China’s swimming team for the upcoming World Championships set to take place in Singapore in July and August.

Yu’s remarkable swim represented a significant improvement from her previous personal best of 2:12.52, which she recorded during the semi-final stage of the event. This time had already established her as the fastest 12-year-old swimmer globally, according to World Aquatics.

In April 2024, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic trials after finishing her 400-meter individual medley two seconds short of the required time. She swam the race in 4:40.97, a time that nevertheless would have secured her a place at the World Championships in Qatar earlier this year.

If Yu had achieved her recent 2:10.63 time during last year’s Olympics, it would have placed her in the semifinals for the women’s 200m medley, with a cut-off time of 2:11.96. Comparatively, Australia’s Ella Ramsay was the last swimmer to qualify for the final with a time of 2:10.16.

Yu commented on her rapid rise in the swim world, stating, “In 2024, I participated in some competitions, achieved some results, and many swimming fans recognized me.” She emphasized the importance of dedication and heart in her training, saying, “The most difficult time is probably when you are closest to your goal. You must keep going.”

With her impressive record, Yu Zidi is poised to make waves in the swimming world, as anticipation builds for her performance at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.