13-Year-Old Sensation Yu Zidi Set to Race Five Events at China Open
The fast-approaching China Open, which will run from March 19-22 in Shenzhen, will offer spectators the opportunity to witness some of the fastest swimmers in the world. More than a dozen elite international athletes will race at the four-day competition, while the majority of the top swimmers in China will be in action. The brightest spotlight is likely to follow 13-year-old phenom Yu Zidi.
Late last year, Yu flourished at the Chinese National Games, the highlight an Asian record in the 200-meter individual medley. Putting her versatility on display, Yu registered a time of 2:07.41 to break the 2012 continental record of 2:07.57, formerly held by Ye Shiwen. The youngster is the No. 9 performer in the history of the event, with her best days seemingly ahead. Only six individuals have ever cracked the 2:07 barrier.
At the China Open, Yu is entered in the 200 IM, 400 IM and 200 butterfly, the three events she contested at last summer’s World Championships in Singapore. Yu is also slated to contest the 200 backstroke and 200 breaststroke, events the teen has not yet raced at a high level. It will be interesting to see what Yu will produce in these new events, as she looks to further develop her program.
The 200 IM and 200 butterfly should offer Yu her best racing opportunities of the China Open, thanks to the competition she will face in the disciplines. The 200 IM is expected to include the American tandem of Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh, along with China’s Yu Yiting. In the 200 fly, Yu will face off with the United States’ Regan Smith, the reigning Olympic silver medalist.
Given her youth and the vast improvement arcs of teenagers through the years, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Yu continues to churn out personal-best performances on home soil.
