In an era where youth athletes continue to break boundaries, 12-year-old Yu Zidi from China has captured the global spotlight with jaw-dropping swimming performances that rival Olympic finalists. At an age when most children are still navigating middle school, Yu is blazing through the waters with some of 2025’s fastest swim times — and the world is taking notice.
A 12-Year-Old Swimming Phenomenon
Yu Zidi isn’t just another young talent; she’s producing elite-level results that defy her age. She’s set to compete at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore, having qualified in three demanding events: the 200m and 400m Individual Medleys, and the 200m Butterfly.
Her remarkable 2:10.63 in the 200 IM at the Chinese Championships was the fastest time ever by a 12-year-old, male or female, according to World Aquatics. Even more astounding was her 2:06.83 in the 200 Butterfly, which would’ve placed her fourth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and ranked as the fifth-fastest time globally in 2025.
And she didn’t stop there. Yu clocked 4:35.53 in the 400 IM, a time that again would have landed her just shy of an Olympic medal last year — only 0.6 seconds behind bronze.
Outpacing Swimming Legends
To put Yu Zidi’s accomplishments into perspective, she’s swimming 12 to 15 seconds faster than Canadian superstar Summer McIntosh did at age 12. McIntosh now holds world records in the 400 IM and 200 IM and won three gold medals at Paris 2024.
Yu’s current performances don’t just hint at potential — they are elite results in their own right. Many analysts are already predicting that if she maintains this trajectory, she could become a top contender for Olympic gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, when she’ll be just 15.
Humble Beginnings and Big Dreams
Yu’s journey began not in a professional pool, but at a water amusement park.
“The summer was too hot, and my dad took me to the water park,” Yu told China’s Xinhua News Agency. “I enjoyed the coolness of the water and spent a lot of time in different small pools for kids. One day, a coach approached me and asked if I wanted to swim faster.”
That coach’s insight changed her life. Now training at Hebei Taihua Jinye Swimming Club in Hengshui City, Yu focuses on longer events where she excels. She says sprint races aren’t her strength, so she prefers endurance-based medleys and the 200 fly.
History in the Making?
While comparisons to legends like Katie Ledecky and Kyoko Iwasaki (who won Olympic gold at 14) are inevitable, Yu remains focused on improvement and gaining international experience.
“I have no idea what it’s like to compete abroad,” she said. “I really want to experience world-class competition.”
What’s Next for Yu Zidi?
The swimming world waits eagerly to see how Yu Zidi performs in Singapore. With her record-setting times, she’s not just showing promise — she’s already delivering at a world-class level. If her growth continues, Yu Zidi could redefine what’s possible for young swimmers and emerge as the sport’s next global icon.
Key Takeaways:
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Yu Zidi is just 12 and already producing Olympic-level swim times.
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She’s the fastest 12-year-old swimmer in history in multiple events.
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Her 2025 performances rank top-5 globally, with medal potential at Worlds.
