What to know about 13-year-old Chinese swimming sensation Yu Zidi

NAGOYA, Japan - A 13-year-old Chinese swimmer named Yu Zidi is set to become the sport's next big star after claiming three gold medals in individual events at the Asian Games. She triumphed in the 200-meter butterfly, 200 individual medley, and 400 IM. Yu is poised to contend for medals at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics and the world championships in Budapest next year.

Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh, who excels in the same events, currently holds the world records in all three of Yu's primary events: 200 fly (2:01.65), 200 IM (2:05.70), and 400 IM (4:23.65). Yu has been closing in on these times, with a 200 IM time of 2:06.10 at the Asian Games, showcasing her potential superiority over McIntosh when she was 12 years old.

Yu was faster than the 12-year-old McIntosh in the 400 IM and about 12 seconds quicker in the 200 IM. If Yu's progression remains consistent, she may shatter all three world records in the future. Yu made her mark on the global stage last year when she placed fourth in the same three events at the world championships in Singapore, narrowly missing a medal.

She did, however, secure a bronze in a relay event. Greg Meehan, the national team director for the Americans, expressed that Yu's story is remarkable, but it's uncertain where it will ultimately lead. Yu hails from Baoding in Hebei province, a region typically not known for producing top-tier Chinese swimmers. At the age of six, she started swimming and was discovered by a local coach, leading her to discontinue piano and dance lessons.

Her parents, Liu Hui and Yu Tao, are currently supporting her in Tokyo during the Asian Games. When questioned by Chinese television last year about her abilities, Yu responded, "I'm not a genius, I'm just a hard-working person."