Post by : Maya Rahman

In a spectacular display of talent, 13-year-old Yu Zide from China broke the Asian record in the 200-meter individual medley during the National Games held in Shenzhen. Her remarkable time of 2 minutes 07.41 seconds not only secured her a gold medal but also marked her first Asian record as a young athlete. This achievement surpasses the prior record of 2:07.57, held by the Olympic champion Ye Shiwen since the London 2012 Olympics.

Yu's victory becomes even more impressive as she finished nearly one second ahead of her closest competitor, Yu Yiting, the champion from the 2022 Asian Games. Demonstrating the skill and composure of a seasoned swimmer, Yu paced herself effectively and executed a powerful finishing stroke, all in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Shenzhen.

The record Yu broke stood as a testament to standard excellence in Asian swimming for over a decade. Inspired by Ye Shiwen's achievements, Yu Zide appears poised to carry this legacy, showcasing the prowess of China’s young athletes on the global stage.

Yu first gained attention last year at the age of 11 when she nearly qualified for the Paris Olympics during the Chinese qualifiers, drawing notable scrutiny from both national and international observers. Her narrow miss only highlighted her immense potential, prompting fans to follow her swift progress.

In May 2025, Yu exhibited her talent by winning two gold medals in national events—the 400m individual medley and the 200m butterfly—also securing a second place finish in the 200m medley, qualifying her for the World Championships in Singapore, where she became the youngest medalist by contributing to a bronze for the Chinese 4x200m freestyle relay team.

At the same championships, Yu placed fourth in her individual events—the 200m and 400m individual medley and the 200m butterfly—cementing her status among the world’s elite young swimmers, capable of competing at an international level.

Representing her home region of Hebei Province, known for its athletic talent, Yu's accomplishments have brought pride to her community and inspired a new generation of swimmers. Local officials applauded her discipline and maturity in high-stakes settings.

Following her record-breaking achievement, Yu is now focused on the upcoming 200m butterfly heats, aiming for yet another gold at the National Games, prestigious events that occur every four years in China.

Her coach describes Yu as a “once-in-a-generation talent,” commending her dedication to training. “She approaches each session with focus and vigor,” he noted. “At her young age, she comprehends race strategies and continually refines her skills. Today’s success reflects her dedication.”

Analysts predict that this remarkable achievement may signal the start of a highly promising career for Yu Zide. With exceptional speed, endurance, and a calm demeanor under pressure, many believe she could emerge as one of China's premier swimmers. With her sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, she will still be only 16, echoing Ye Shiwen’s path as an Olympic champion.

Yu Zide's groundbreaking performance at the National Games not only makes her one of the youngest Asian record holders but also underscores the strength of China's youth sports initiatives and the bright prospects for swimming in Asia. With her focus now turning to the 200m butterfly, excitement builds among fans hoping to see the young prodigy claim another gold medal.

#Sports News