A 12 -year -old swimmer U Jidi from China set the fastest time recorded by a man or woman in a 200 -meter individual medley in that age group.
U posted a personal record of 2 minutes, 10.63 seconds among Chinese citizens on Monday, finishing second in the race won by 2024 Olympic finalist U Yitting. U’s time would have been good to reach the semi -finals at the last year’s Paris Olympics and may be in a position to join China’s team for this year’s World Championship in Singapore, starting in July.
U gave his semi -final race to the individual best of 2: 12.52, then broke the time in the final at that time, which was according to the global governing body Body Aquatics, to set records for the fastest 12 -year -old in the event. For comparison, both United States Records in the Edge Group were both determined by Tigan O’Del (2: 18.69) and Richard Popalavsky (2: 13.59).
As an 11 -year -old in April 2024, U4: 400 meters individual medley in 40.97 floated, embarrassing only two seconds of qualifying for Paris.
U does not turn 13 years old till October.
“In 2024 I participated in some competitions, achieved some results, and many swimming fans recognized me,” he told the Chinese media according to the Inquiarer earlier this year.
“After experiencing major competitions, I thought more better and a strong heart to get good results in every training session.”
-Bield level media
