Yu Zidi Photo: VCG

China's 12-year-old swimming prodigy Yu Zidi became the youngest World Championships medal winner since 1936 after the Chinese 4x200 meters freestyle relay team won a bronze medal in the discipline in Singapore.

The schoolgirl did not compete in the final in which her elder teammates Liu Yaxin, Yang Peiqi, Yu Yiting and Li Bingjie clocked in 7:42.99, but is eligible for the medal after leading off the relay in the heats earlier Thursday. 

It makes her the youngest medalist at a major international competition in 89 years. At the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Inge Sorensen of Denmark won a bronze medal in the 200 meters breaststroke less than a month after turning 12. Yu will turn 13 in October. 

The Chinese women's 4x200 meters freestyle qualified for the final with 7:54.06 in the heats, with both Yu and Wu Qingfeng making appearances. 

Earlier on Thursday, Yu was again one place short from an individual medal finish at the world championships, as she finished the women's 200 meters butterfly in fourth place. 

The 12-year-old was bottom placed after the second flip turn, but managed to surge on to fourth place in the last 50 meters to finish with a personal best of 2:06.43.

Her result is just 0.31 seconds behind bronze medalist Elizabeth Dekkers of Australia. Three-time Olympic champion Summer McIntosh of Canada won the race in 2:01.99, setting a new world championships record. 

Despite missing the podium individually for the second time after being 0.06 seconds short from a bronze medal in the women's 200 meters medley, Yu has received growing applause on Chinese social media.

However, Yu's achievements in the 200 meters butterfly or medley are not eligible to be recognized as a new world junior record, as current regulations under the world swimming governing body require an athlete must age 14 to 18. 

The pre-teen swimmer made her name domestically in April 2024 after winning a silver medal at age 11 at the national champions race.

Also that night, Wan Letian won a bronze medal for China in the women's 50 meters backstroke, while veteran and former Olympic champion Wang Shun finished in seventh place with 1:57.92 in the men's 200 meters medley.

Veteran Wang brushed off concerns about fatigue following his 100 meters backstroke outing at the worlds, describing the event as a valuable warm-up rather than a physical burden.

"The 100m backstroke is more of a secondary event for me here," Wang told reporters after finishing Thursday's medley. 

"It was a good chance to get a feel for the venue and the water. Having it as part of the schedule works well, and it doesn't affect my other races."

Looking ahead, he remains focused on the upcoming men's 4x200 meters freestyle relay, emphasizing a step-by-step approach. This marks Wang's eighth World Championships appearance, dating back to 2011, and he says he's keenly aware of the evolving competition. 

"Every edition brings changes in the field, and this year is no different. Everyone is in strong form," he said. "Seeing such high-level performances from others is motivating. It also helps me stay grounded."

Despite the rising talent around him, Wang takes pride in still competing at the sport's top level. 

"Different eras bring different standout athletes, but I'm glad I can still showcase my skills on this stage. That's something I truly cherish," he said.