Yu Zidi, 12, becomes youngest-ever medallist at World Aquatics Championships
12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi has made history as the youngest medallist in World Aquatics Championships history, securing a bronze medal in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
Yu's achievement came after she swam in the heats, helping qualify the Chinese team for the final.
Although she missed the final race on Thursday, Yu’s contribution in the heats helped China secure third place behind the United States and Australia.
Her medal marks a significant milestone in the sport, making her the youngest to achieve such an honour since Denmark’s Inge Sorensen in 1936, when she won a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke at the age of 12, as reported by BBC sport.
“It feels quite emotional, it’s a nice feeling,” Yu said after the medal ceremony.
China’s 12-year-old swimming prodigy Yu Zidi bagged her first World Championships medal after the Chinese 4x200m free relay team won bronze in Singapore on Thursday. Yu did not compete in the final but is eligible for the medal after participating in the heats earlier on… pic.twitter.com/hbcS11UA73
Yu, turning 13 in October, also narrowly missed out on individual success, finishing fourth in both the women’s 200m butterfly and the individual medley finals.
Her performances have drawn widespread attention, with Yu setting a world record for a 12-year-old in the 200m individual medley earlier this year.
However, her participation has raised concerns. While swimmers must be at least 14 to compete, Yu was allowed to join after meeting the ‘A’ standard qualifying times. Some, like four-time world champion Karen Pickering, worry about the physical toll on young athletes.
Conversely, Olympic bronze medallist Steve Parry defended Yu's involvement, comparing her to past young swimmers like Sharron Davies, and emphasised the need for careful support of young talents.
Yu's rapid rise continues to capture attention, with many eager to see what lies ahead for this exceptional young swimmer.