Zidi Yu's Trailblazing Debut at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships
Zidi Yu's remarkable debut at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships raises ethical concerns about young athletes.
Key Points
- • Zidi Yu won a bronze in the 4x200m relay and secured fourth in three individual events.
- • The Spanish swimming team, averaging 20 years old, is preparing for the 2028 Olympics.
- • Carles Coll set a Spanish record in the 200m breaststroke semifinals.
- • USA topped the medal count with 29 total, followed by Australia with 20.
At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore, Zidi Yu, a notable 12-year-old swimmer from China, captivated audiences with her stunning performances, collecting a bronze medal in the 4x200m relay and finishing just shy of the podium in three individual events with fourth-place finishes in the 200m butterfly and both the 200m and 400m individual medleys. Her achievements have ignited a global conversation about the ethics of young athletes competing at elite levels.
The event saw a young Spanish swimming team, averaging 20 years old, looking to build a foundation for future competitions, particularly the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Spanish swimmer Carles Coll made headlines by setting a new national record in the semifinals of the 200m breaststroke, finishing seventh in the finals. Luka Hoek, also representing Spain, set a national record in the 100m freestyle at just 17 years old.
As Zidi Yu's success grows, so does scrutiny over youth participation in competitive sports, reflecting concerns over physical and psychological impacts. Competition was stiff, with La Vie En Aquatique's Leon Marchand of France achieving remarkable victories, including breaking Ryan Lochte's longstanding world record in the 400m individual medley, while Canadian Summer McIntosh showcased her prowess, clinching four golds and a bronze amidst record-breaking aspirations.
The final medal standings highlighted the U.S. as the dominant force with 29 total medals, including 9 golds, followed by Australia with 20 medals and 8 golds.