Thirteen-Year-Old Swimming Sensation Yu Zidi Claims Third Gold with Record-Breaking Asian Games Swim

China's 13-year-old swimming sensation Yu Zidi secured her third gold medal of the Asian Games with a commanding performance in the 400m individual medley in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. She posted an Asian Games-record time of 4 minutes 28.56 seconds, completing a sweep of her three individual events following earlier victories in the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley.

Yu surpassed the previous 400m games record established by China's Ye Shiwen in 2014 by about 4.5 seconds. Her time marked the fourth-fastest in the world for the year, trailing only world record-holder Summer McIntosh. Having previously won bronze for China’s relay team at the World Aquatics Championships at age 12, Yu is increasingly viewed as a top medal hopeful for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Earlier in March, Yu triumphed in the 200m butterfly over seven-time American Olympic medallist Regan Smith at the China Swimming Open. In the Asian Games 400m individual medley final, Yu maintained the lead from the outset to finish 3.95 seconds ahead of compatriot and silver medallist Ke Wenxi, while Japan’s Mio Narita secured the bronze medal.

Alongside her international achievements, Yu has generated significant media attention at home. Details of her discovery by a coach at a water park and her lighthearted remarks about media interviews have circulated widely on social media platforms in China.