SWIMMING: China's 13-year-old Yu claims first Asian record at National Games

Less than a month after her 13th birthday, Chinese swimming sensation Yu Zidi claimed her first Asian record at the National Games in Shenzhen on Tuesday, dominating the 200 meters individual medley (IM).

Yu clocked a time of 2:07.41, surpassing the previous Asian record of compatriot Ye Shiwen, who won Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games in 2:07.57 at the age of 16.

The young star finished nearly a second ahead of 20-year-old runner-up Yu Yiting, the 2022 Asian Games champion. Only eight swimmers in history have gone faster in this event, with Canadian Summer McIntosh holding the current world record at 2:05.70.

Yu’s rise has been meteoric. She first drew attention at China’s Olympic trials last year, narrowly missing qualification for the Paris Games at just 11 years old. In May, she won national titles in the 400 IM and 200 butterfly, and secured a runner-up finish in the 200 IM to qualify for the World Championships in Singapore. There, she became the youngest-ever medalist for China, earning bronze in the 4x200 freestyle relay.

At the Singapore meet, Yu also finished fourth in her three individual events: the 200 and 400 IM, and the 200 butterfly.

Representing her native Hebei province, Yu is set to compete in the 200 butterfly heats on Thursday, aiming for another gold at the quadrennial National Games.

While the swimming world marvels at her extraordinary talent, Yu’s age has sparked debates over the ethics of such young athletes competing at the highest level. -Ian Ransom in Melbourne/Reuters