13-Year-Old Yu Zidi Claims Two Asian Games Golds, Sets Second-Fastest 200m IM Time Ever

A Historic Swim in Tokyo

Racing against a world-class international field, the teenage sensation delivered a performance that immediately reshaped the all-time world lists for the 200m individual medley. According to event reports, Yu’s time of 2:06.10 leaves her just four tenths of a second away from the global benchmark established by Canadian star Summer McIntosh, who swam a 2:05.70 in 2025.

The progression underscores a remarkably rapid rise through international swimming ranks. Swimming analysts and international sports reports note that Yu has quickly established herself among the elite names in women’s medley events, following a breakout international campaign at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships where she competed as a 12-year-old.

Challenging All-Time Greats

Yu’s milestone time places her ahead of several legendary multi-medalists in the event’s historical standings. Records show that her 2:06.10 swim surpasses historical marks set by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu, who clocked a 2:06.12 at the 2014 World Championships, and American specialist Ariana Kukors, who swam a 2:06.15 at the 2009 global meet.

Only McIntosh sits ahead of the young Chinese athlete on the all-time performance lists, with McIntosh holding both the world record of 2:05.70 set in 2025 and a 2:05.56 performance from the 2024 Olympic Games. Establishing a time of this magnitude at age 13 places Yu in rare historical company for age-group progression in competitive swimming.

Building on a Breakout Global Debut

The Asian Games success follows a heavily publicized international debut at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. Racing at just 12 years old against senior competitors, Yu earned recognition as the youngest finalist and medalist of that competition. Her program featured top-tier finishes, including fourth-place results in the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, and 200m butterfly, alongside a bronze medal in a relay event.

With her gold-medal performances across consecutive days at the Tokyo aquatics venue, Yu continues to validate the expectations set by her earlier age-group performances. Observers tracking international swimming will monitor her continued development as the sport builds toward future world championships and Olympic cycles.