At just 13 years old, Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi has etched her name into the record books, claiming gold in the women’s 200m butterfly at the Asian Games on Sunday. Competing on the first full day of the tournament, Yu clocked a Games-record time of 2 minutes and 05.08 seconds to secure her first major international title.
The schoolgirl, who is set to turn 14 next month, demonstrated remarkable poise as she approaches the Los Angeles Olympics in less than two years. Despite the significance of the achievement, Yu remained characteristically humble following the race.
“It was only so-so,” Yu said with a smile while accepting her medal, downplaying the magnitude of her historic swim.
This victory adds to Yu’s already impressive resume. Last year, she made history by becoming the youngest ever medallist at the World Swimming Championships, winning a bronze medal in the relay at the age of 12.
Photographs from the event show Yu celebrating on the podium with her gold medal and the tournament mascot, marking the beginning of what many expect to be a dominant career in international swimming.
Proud to see a schoolgirl representing our city so young. Hope she enjoys this moment while it lasts.
“Only so-so,” she says. Typical Asian humility, but honestly, that swim was perfect. Absolute dominance in the pool.
That time is genuinely world-class for her age. The discipline required at thirteen to hit 2:05 is remarkable.
A record at 13 is insane. I wonder if she has the mental maturity for the pressure of the LA Olympics.