13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi wins second Asian Games gold

Thirteen-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi won her second gold medal at the Asian Games on Monday, setting a new Games record in the women’s 200-meter individual medley.

According to BBC Sport, Yu completed the race in 2 minutes, 6.10 seconds in Tokyo. She finished just 0.40 seconds behind the world record.

“I’m very excited and very happy. It’s an achievement that shows the hard work of our team,” Yu said after the race.

Second gold of the Games

Yu had already won the women’s 200-meter butterfly on the opening day. Her time of 2:05.08 also set an Asian Games record and secured the first major title of her career.

“I’m happier with the second gold medal than the first,” Yu said.

Rising Chinese swimming talent

Last year, Yu became the youngest swimmer to win a medal at the World Championships when she claimed bronze as part of China’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay team at the age of 12.

The schoolgirl, who turns 14 next month, is now regarded as one of China’s emerging swimming talents ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.