Twelve-year-old schoolgirl Yu Zidi has been labelled “phenomenally talented” by her rivals after narrowly missing out on a medal at swimming’s world championships.
China’s Yu finished fourth in the women’s 200m medley in Singapore in her first world championships final, as Canadian star Summer McIntosh took gold.
Yu finished therace in 2m, 9.21s, missing out on bronze by 0.06s.
American Alex Walsh, who took silver, said Yu was “phenomenally talented at such a young age”.
“I think it will be interesting to see how she takes this meet and translates it into the future swims she has because she’s definitely got a really bright future,” said Walsh.
"You can feel it's quite intense. I try not to think so much, and just give it my all," Yu Zidi said. Photo / AFP
“She might have more pressure by the end of the meet because she’s been swimming really well so far,” said Harvey.
“I used to be a junior and I used to think that it’s just gaining experience for the future, and I think going into LA we’re probably going to see her a lot more.”
Yu, who turns 13 in October, took to swimming as a 6-year-old as a way to cool off in China’s hot summers.
Michael Bohl, China’s storied Australian swimming coach, has predicted big things.
“I’ve never seen a 12-year-old who could swim like this,” he told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV in May.
The minimum age at the world championships is 14 but younger swimmers can compete if – like Yu – they meet the qualifying standard.
After qualifying for the final, Yu said: “I hope to find a breakthrough at these world championships and show my potential.”
Asked how it felt to be on the world stage, after some eye-catching performances at China’s national championships, she said: “It feels really good. How do I put it ... it’s much more than my expectations.
“You can feel it’s quite intense. I try not to think so much, and just give it my all.”
