13-Year-Old Yu Zidi Claims 400 Freestyle Title at Chinese Nationals
Although best known for her talent in the individual medley events and butterfly, Yu Zidi emerged victorious in the 400-meter freestyle during Thursday’s night session at the Chinese National Championships. Following a runnerup effort in the 200 IM on Wednesday, Yu earned first place in the 400 free behind a swim of 4:05.06. That time gave Yu a comfortable decision over Tang Muhan, who touched in 4:06.08.
The 13-year-old standout has been known to the swimming world for her precocious skill and is expected to be one of the main figures at the Asian Games, scheduled for Tokyo in September. The fact that she added a national title in the 400 free is further proof of her developing talent.
Riding the momentum of an Asian record in the 200 individual medley from Wednesday’s action, Yu Yiting got her hand on the wall first in a tight finish in the women’s 100 freestyle. Yi registered a swim of 53.43, which handed her a narrow triumph over Cheng Yujie, who stopped the clock in 53.48. They were followed in third and fourth place by Wu Qingfeng (53.61) and longtime National Teamer Zhang Yufei (53.64).
Coming off a victory in the 200 individual medley earlier in the meet, Wang Shun had no trouble beating the opposition in the 400 IM. Wang checked in with a time of 4:13.93, which was more than three seconds ahead of the 4:17.31 of runnerup Gu Enyi. In the women’s 200 backstroke, Peng Xuwei followed Wang’s approach by claiming a decisive win. Pen covered her four laps in 2:06.71, well ahead of the 2:09.01 by Yang Ruoxi in second place.
The men’s 1500 freestyle went to Fei Liwei in 14:55.62.
