China’s teenage swimming sensation Yu Zidi eyes Asian Games glory, Olympic podium

Beijing, September 12 – Yu Zidi, the 13-year-old Chinese swimming sensation, is making waves in the world of aquatics. At just 12 years old, she became the youngest-ever medallist at the swimming world championships, a feat that has caught the attention of the entire nation. This year, she heads China's bid for Asian Games victory and has set her sights on Olympic glory.

Yu's extraordinary talent was on display at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where she helped China reach the 4x200m women’s freestyle relay final, earning her a historic bronze for swimming in the heats. At the National Games in November, having just turned 13, she clocked a blistering 2:07.41 in the women’s 200m medley, setting an Asian record.

Yu, who hails from Baoding, about 150 kilometres south of Beijing, started swimming at the tender age of six. Juggling schoolwork with rigorous training has been a constant challenge for the young athlete. She described the intense pressure she faced, saying that the desire to win the 400m medley felt like a "big stone weighing on her" and making it hard to breathe.

Despite the heavy load, Yu never considered quitting and always dreamed of becoming a national champion. In January, she admitted to feeling so tired that she had fallen asleep while eating. However, her coach helped her persevere, telling her to believe in herself. Yu's hard work has paid off, and she has won four medals at the National Games.

Although the World Aquatics rules state that the minimum age for international championships is 14, Yu's exceptional talent has earned her exceptions. Looking ahead, Yu is certain to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, when she will be 15, and is on track to become a major medal threat. She acknowledges the pressure of her young success but knows that hard work will continue to outweigh innate talent.

Yu remains focused on her dream of standing on the Olympic podium, drawing strength from her team as she holds fast to her original dream.