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China’s 13-year-old swimming sensation, Yu Zidi, has won gold in the women’s 200-metre butterfly at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, setting a new Games record.
Yu finished in 2 minutes, 5.08 seconds, beating the previous record set by compatriot Zhang Yufei at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. She finished 3.36 seconds ahead of China’s Chang Mohan, who claimed silver.
The victory marks Yu’s first major individual gold medal. She is scheduled to compete in three individual events during the Asian Games, with swimming events taking place at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Youngest World Championships Medallist
Yu made history in 2025 when she became the youngest swimming World Championships medallist after winning bronze as part of China’s 4x200m freestyle relay team at age 12.
She also finished fourth in three individual events at the championships.
Earlier this year, Yu defeated American Olympic champion Regan Smith in a competition, further strengthening her reputation as one of swimming’s emerging talents.
Pressure on Teenage Athlete
Despite her rapid progress, Yu has previously spoken about the pressure of competing at the highest level.
During preparations for China’s National Games last year, she said the pressure surrounding the 400m individual medley had nearly become overwhelming. Her coach encouraged her to persevere and believe in herself.
Yu went on to win four medals at the National Games.
Her intensive training and competition schedule has also prompted discussions within the swimming community about the physical and mental demands placed on young athletes.
Yu is expected to remain a notable contender ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
