12-Year-Old Medals, Sparks Aquatics Age Rule Review

Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, aged 12, became the youngest athlete ever to win a medal at the World Aquatics Championships by contributing to China's bronze in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay in Singapore. She also narrowly missed individual medals in the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley, becoming the first 12-year-old to reach an individual final at the event. Yu's achievements have reignited debate over the sport’s age-limit rules, which generally require athletes to be at least 14 but allow exceptions for those meeting strict qualification standards. World Aquatics executive director Brent Nowicki said the organization will review these rules due to Yu's participation. Her success has drawn praise from peers and officials, but also raised concerns about the mental and physical pressures on such young athletes. The governing body is considering whether additional policy changes are needed regarding early elite participation.