Imagine being just 12 years old and standing on the world stage with a medal around your neck.
That’s exactly what Yu Zidi, a young swimmer from China, has done—breaking age barriers and capturing the world’s attention at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
Just Missed One Medal, Then Grabbed Another
Earlier in the week, Yu nearly made history when she finished just 0.06 seconds shy of a podium spot in the women’s 200m individual medley.
For most, that near-miss would be the story. But for Yu, it was only the beginning.
Fast forward to Thursday—Yu earned her bronze medal as part of China’s 4x200m freestyle relay team.
While she didn’t swim in the final race itself, her effort in the heats earlier in the week secured her place on the podium.
That’s the way relay medals work: if you helped your team qualify, you’re part of the win.
Too Young for Records, But Not for Impact
Here’s the kicker: under World Aquatics rules, swimmers are usually required to be at least 14 years old by the end of the competition year to compete in either the junior or senior World Championships.
And even though Yu doesn’t qualify for a junior world record at 12, she still met the incredibly tough A-standard time to qualify at China’s National Championships in May.
Basically, the rules didn’t expect someone her age to be this fast—and yet, here she is.
World Aquatics Caught Off Guard
Brent Nowicki, the executive director of World Aquatics, admitted he was surprised someone so young could meet the elite qualifying time.
“Our A standards are so strict that I honestly didn’t think a 12-year-old could hit them,” he said.
Still, he praised the organization’s existing safeguards and hinted that Yu’s case might prompt a policy review.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re doing the right thing. We don’t want to push too far in the wrong direction,” Nowicki added.
“She clearly has a bright future, but we have to be thoughtful about how we move forward.”
Mixed Reactions from the Swimming World
Unsurprisingly, Yu’s participation has stirred up debate in swimming circles.
Some see her as a prodigy; others are more cautious.
On BBC Radio 5 Live, former Olympic bronze medalist Steve Parry expressed concern about the physical toll such intense training could have on someone so young.
“It’s incredible to watch her perform at that level,” he said.
“But it does make you wonder: how long has she been training like this? What’s that doing to her body?”
He compared the situation to the gymnastics world, where early overtraining has led to long-term physical consequences.
“We’ve seen young athletes pushed too hard too soon. The question is—are we setting her up for success or future injury?”
A Talent Too Big to Ignore
Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: Yu Zidi is a name the swimming world won’t forget any time soon.
Whether her career continues to soar or prompts a rethink of age rules in competitive swimming, she’s already made a splash few her age—or any age—could dream of.
And at just 12 years old, she’s only getting started.