Thirteen-Year-Old You Zidi Wins Asian Games Gold with Record Swim
Thirteen-year-old Chinese swimmer You Zidi won the 200m butterfly gold medal at the Asian Games with a new record of 2:05.08, establishing herself as a rising global star.
You Zidi has cemented her status as one of the brightest rising stars in global swimming after winning the 200-meter butterfly gold medal at the Asian Games with a new tournament record of 2:05.08.
The 13-year-old Chinese swimmer shaved nearly half a second off the previous record set by compatriot Zhang Yufei three years ago, finishing more than three seconds ahead of silver medalist Chang Muhan.
Despite her remarkable achievement, Zidi remained modest after the medal ceremony. "It was just so-so," she said with a smile, adding that her butterfly technique "still leaves a little to be desired. I hope to swim even faster. I improved my time here by 0.9 seconds, and I believe I will be better next time."
Zidi is expected to compete in two additional individual events at the Asian Games and is already tipped as a standout prospect for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Last year, the young Chinese athlete made history by becoming the youngest-ever medalist at the World Aquatics Championships at age 12, claiming bronze in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay.
