Yu Zidi, 13, Aims for Olympic Glory After Historic World Championships Bronze
Quick Look
Thirteen-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who became the youngest-ever medallist at the World Aquatics Championships last year at age 12, is targeting Olympic success after helping China win bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore and setting an Asian record in the 200m individual medley at the National Games.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Yu Zidi first gained international attention at age 12 by becoming the youngest-ever medallist at the World Aquatics Championships, marking her as a rising star in Chinese swimming.
Yu Zidi made history last year aged 12 when she became the youngest-ever medallist at the swimming world championships. Now a teenager, she headlines China’s bid for Asian Games domination and has Olympic glory in her sights.
The 13-year-old schoolgirl with a pixie haircut stunned the sporting world last year with a series of eye-popping times.
At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore she helped China reach the 4x200m women’s freestyle relay final.
She did not swim in the final but China came third, earning Yu a historic bronze for swimming in the heats.
Yu just missed out on medals in the 200m and 400m individual medley events and the 200m butterfly, coming fourth in all three races.
In November at China’s National Games, having just turned 13, she clocked a blistering 2:07.41 in the women’s 200m medley for what was then an Asian record.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Yu Zidi will qualify for the Chinese Olympic swimming team for the 2028 Games
Likely · Within years
Yu Zidi will compete in individual medley events at the Asian Games
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Yu Zidi qualify for the Olympic team in her individual events?
- How will her training balance with her education as a schoolgirl?
- What are her specific targets for the upcoming Asian Games?
