Chinese 12-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi makes her debut on world stage -- and doesn't disappoint
Yu Zidi of China prepares to compete in the women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
SINGAPORE (AP) — The globe got its first look on Sunday at 12-year-old Chinese prodigy swimmer Yu Zidi, making her debut at the swimming world championships.
She did not disappoint on the opening day of the eight-day competition in the pool in Singapore.
Yu, who has been swimming astounding times in China, clocked 2 minutes, 11.90 seconds in the 200-meter individual medley to advance to the semifinals. Her time was the 15th fastest of the 16 qualifiers.
Yu Zidi of China competes in the women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Her time was a bit off her season-best time of 2:10.63.
Yu Zidi of China competes in the women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Her times in the butterfly and 200 IM in the recent Chinese championships are among the best in the world this season. Her best times in those two events would have been good for fourth place last year in the Paris Olympics.
Yu Zidi of China warms up to compete in the women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
World Aquatics, the governing body of world swimming, has an age limit of 14. However, swimmers are allowed to compete if they are younger if their times surpass a qualifying standard.
Yu Zidi of China warms up to compete in the women's 200-meter individual medley heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Yu wore a black cap and a gray suit and did not speak after the race.
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