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12-Year-Old Yu Zidi Set for World Aquatics Debut With Podium Potential

Her exceptional qualifying times earned her a waiver to compete against senior swimmers following standout performances at China’s national trials.

China's Yu Zidi reacts after finishing the women's 200 meters freestyle semifinal at the 2025 National Swimming Championships in Shenzhen, in China's southern Guangdong province on May 19, 2025. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
The swimmer has set lightning fast times despite being just 12.
Yu celebrates on the podium after competing in the women's 400m individual medley event at the National Championships in China.
Yu (left) in training in January this year.

Overview

  • Yu Zidi, born in October 2012, is entered in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore starting July 27.
  • She recorded personal bests of 2:08.83 in the 200m butterfly and 4:35.53 in the 400m medley at China’s May trials, ranking her among the world’s fastest 12-year-olds and within striking distance of senior medal times.
  • World Aquatics granted her an exemption from the standard 14-year age minimum after she met elite qualifying standards, making her one of the youngest competitors ever at a senior global meet.
  • Discovered at age six during a family visit to a water park, Yu now trains at Hebei Taihua Jinye Swimming Club in Hengshui City under coach Li Chao while balancing schoolwork with rigorous practice.
  • If she medals in Singapore, Yu would become the youngest international swimming medallist since 12-year-old Inge Sorensen in 1936, underscoring her status as a historic podium challenger.