At just 13 years old, Yu Zidi is making waves 🏊♀️💥. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Chinese mainland’s 15th National Games in Shenzhen, the Hebei native stunned the crowd by smashing the women’s 200m individual medley with a new Asian record of 2:07.41.
The young star had already caught the spotlight this year by earning her ticket to the 2025 World Championships with a runner-up finish at May’s National Championships. In July, she shaved her personal best to 2:09.21 in the world final in Singapore.
Facing off against returning champion Yu Yiting, who led by a second after the first 50 meters, Yu Zidi surged ahead during the breaststroke leg and held her pace over the final 50 meters to touch the wall first.
She toppled the previous record set by Chinese compatriot Ye Shiwen at the 2012 London Olympics, signaling a new era in Asian swimming.
With her eyes set on more global glory at next year’s World Championships, Yu Zidi is a phenom to watch 🌟.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
