Key points
- Yu has finished second in the event with a time of two minutes and 10.63 seconds
- World Aquatics posted “12-year-old sensation alert” on its X
- Yu could earn a place in China’s national squad for the World Championships in Singapore
ISLAMABAD: Chinese schoolgirl Yu Zidi has been hailed a “sensation” following setting the fastest time ever for a 12-year-old in the 200m individual medley at China’s national championships.
BBC reported that Yu finished second in the event with a time of two minutes and 10.63 seconds, behind 2024 Olympic finalist Yu Yuting.
The time, if achieved in the heats at last year’s Paris Olympics, would have resulted in the youngster reaching the semi-finals.
Global governing body World Aquatics posted “12-year-old sensation alert” on its official X account.
🚨 12-year-old sensation alert! 🇨🇳
Yu Zidi just swam a blazing 2:10.63 in the women’s 200m IM at the Chinese Nationals 🤯 — the fastest time ever by a 12-year-old📹 CCTV Sports pic.twitter.com/OacPsM8YYt
— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) May 19, 2025
Yu, who turns 13 in October, could earn a position in China’s national squad for the World Championships in Singapore in July.
“A strong heart”
Reuters reported that in 2024, she participated in some competitions, achieved some results, and many swimming fans recognised her.
“After experiencing major competitions, I understood even better the importance of doing well in every training session to achieve good results and have a strong heart,” Reuters cited her as saying.
