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At 13, Yu Zidi Breaks Asian 200m Medley Record at China’s National Games

Her 2:07.41 places her among the fastest in history, intensifying scrutiny of elite competition at her age.

Overview

  • She touched in 2:07.41, finishing 0.89 seconds ahead of 20-year-old Yu Yiting to secure National Games gold.
  • The swim eclipsed Ye Shiwen’s 2012 Olympic-winning Asian mark of 2:07.57, set before Yu was born.
  • Only eight women have recorded faster times, with Summer McIntosh holding the world record at 2:05.70.
  • Yu’s rise includes national titles this year and a world championships relay bronze in Singapore, where she placed fourth in three individual events.
  • Representing Hebei, she is slated for the 200 butterfly heats on Thursday as discussion grows over youth welfare in elite sport.