Yu Zidi Following her 200 Fly Gold at Asian Games: “It Was So-So”

Yu Zidi, arguably the quickest 13-year-old in historical past, has already made an enormous splash on the 2026 Asian Games, profitable the 200 fly in 2:05.08 and setting an Asian Record within the 200 IM with a 2:06.10, changing into the 2nd-fastest performer within the occasion.

After her win within the 200 fly, Yu told the South China Morning Post that she thinks she may be even quicker and feels her method should not be the place it must be.

“It was only so-so; I hope I can swim even faster. I improved my time by 0.9 seconds here, and I believe I will perform better next time.” Yu stated within the report from the South China Morning Post. “I need to lower my head earlier, reach farther forward and improve the movement of my legs.”

Yu additionally shared a few of her position fashions within the sport, together with Ye Shiwen, Zhang Yufei, and her greatest private idol, Li Bingjie.

“Olympic champions like Ye Shiwen and Zhang Yufei are role models for all young swimmers, but for me, my idol Li was much closer to me; I trained with her every day, after all.” Yu stated. “I had heard about her for long, [and] since joining the same elite camp, I always trained with 200% effort. I feel especially honored to be able to train with her; it’s also a rare learning opportunity. Sometimes when I didn’t quite understand the training content, she would patiently explain it to me and share her own experience with me. This helped me a lot and encouraged me greatly.”

Despite her younger age and still-young profession, Yu virtually referred to as it quits main as much as the nationwide championships in April 2024.

“The dual pressure of training and studying left me exhausted. Fortunately, with the support of my coach, teammates, friends, and parents, I realized that swimming had become an indispensable part of my life, and I simply couldn’t live without it.” Yu stated. “I often encourage myself, telling myself that as long as I train hard, I’ll get good results.”

Mindset of a Champion

Despite her simple expertise within the pool, the soon-to-be 14-year-old nonetheless finds different points of her athletic profession difficult, particularly interviews.

In a report from the Manila Times, Yu has tried to keep away from talking to journalists after these huge swims, fearing she is not going to know what to say.

“Interviews are way harder than the race,” Yu stated. “How do I answer this question? Can you teach me? You just want me to say what I feel?”

When requested whether or not answering questions was the toughest half, she stated there are occasions when she needs she could possibly be wherever else.

“Every time I just want to float off somewhere else.”

Yu admitted she struggled to steadiness faculty along with her fast rise to fame within the sport. A problem not many 13-year-olds have to cope with, particularly after Yu grew to become China’s youngest World Championships medalist final yr at 12.

Some of the solutions that Yu offers to the media are very fast and easy.

When reporters approached her this week, she was quick and to the purpose in her solutions about her races and race preparations.

“I don’t feel anything in particular. I run through the technical details the coach told me once in my head.” Yu stated. “In the last 50 meters you can’t save energy, you have to give it everything, not think about anything, close your eyes and hang on, that’s it.”