Yu Zidi, 13, Breaks Asian Games Record to Win Swimming Gold

13-Year-Old Yu Zidi Creates History at Asian Games 2026, Wins Gold in Swimming

China’s 13-year-old swimming sensation Yu Zidi has created history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning gold in the women’s 200m butterfly and setting a new Games record. 

Yu clocked 2:05.08, breaking the previous Asian Games record of 2:05.57 set by fellow Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei at the Hangzhou Games in 2023. She finished 3.36 seconds ahead of compatriot Chang Mohan to secure the gold medal. 

Who is Yu Zidi?

Yu is still a school student and will turn 14 next month. Her latest achievement is not her first major international milestone. In 2025, at just 12 years old, she became the youngest swimming medallist in World Championships history after winning bronze as part of China’s 4x200m freestyle relay team. 

Earlier this year, Yu also defeated multiple Olympic champion Regan Smith in the 200m butterfly, further establishing herself as one of swimming’s emerging young talents. 

Her Asian Games victory is particularly notable because it is her first major individual title, and she achieved it while setting a Games record. Yu has already set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying she hopes to eventually reach the Olympic podium. 

Yu Zidi and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Yu is younger than India’s 15-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is also competing at the 2026 Asian Games. Sooryavanshi is the youngest member of India’s Asian Games contingent.