SINGAPORE (AP) — The world saw 12-year-old Chinese swimming talent Yu Zidi for the first time on Sunday, as she made her debut at the swimming world championships.
She did not fail to meet expectations on the first day of the eight-day event at the pool in Singapore.
Yu, known for her impressive performances in swimming within China, swam a time of 2 minutes and 11.90 seconds in the 200-meter individual medley, securing a spot in the semifinals. Her time ranked as the 15th fastest among the 16 qualifiers.
Her performance was slightly slower than her season’s best time of 2:10.63.
You will swim in three events.in Singapore, including the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter butterfly. The 200-meter IM is likely her least strong event.
Her performances in the butterfly and 200-meter individual medley at the recent Chinese championships rank among the top in the world this year. Her fastest times in these two events would have secured her fourth position at last year’s Paris Olympics.
The international swimming organization, World Aquatics, sets a minimum age requirement of 14. However, athletes under this age may still participate if they meet a specific performance benchmark.
Yu was dressed in a black cap and gray suit and remained silent following the race.
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