Chinese prodigy, 12, fractions of a second off medal at World Championships
In a sport famed for legends who emerge in their teens, Yu is especially young but the Chinese announced her arrival as a prodigious talent by coming fourth in the 200m individual medley final in Singapore on Monday.
Yu is the first pre-teen to race at the World Championships and the youngest of 55 women who have swum inside 2min 10sec for the 200m medley. The average age for members of that club is 21.
A 12-year-old has not competed at the highest level for almost 100 years — Denmark's Inge Sorensen won bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the Berlin Games of 1936. Sorensen remains the youngest-ever Olympic medal winner.
Undeterred by the narrow miss, Yu, who shaved more than a second off her personal best to finish in 2:9.21, was already thinking about her other events this week, the 200m butterfly on Wednesday and the 400m medley on Sunday.
'I will try to get on the podium. But I feel like that's probably impossible. Still, I want to give it a shot. I was one step short today, so I will keep working hard,' Yu said.
Yu certainly made an impression on her fellow competitors. 'She's obviously phenomenally talented at such a young age, and it'll be interesting to see how she takes this meet and translates it into the future swims,' said Alex Walsh, 23, the silver-medal winner from the United States.
There have been many outstanding teenage swimmers but generally they do not make their mark before the age of 15. Shane Gould in 1972 and Katie Ledecky and Ruta Meilutyte in 2012 were all Olympic champions at 15, while Michael Phelps was 15 when he first raced at the Olympics.
Gold in Yu's race went to Summer McIntosh, the Canadian 18-year-old superstar, who was a triple Olympic champion at 17.
In the modern era Yu's versatility and speed are unprecedented for a 12-year-old and she is officially too young to hold a world junior record, which she could claim only after turning 14.
Born in Baoding, Hebei Province, Yu started training at six. 'After four years of systematic training, she reached the level of a national first-category athlete and was accepted into the Taihua Jinye Swimming Club training centre in Hengshui, where the Hebei Province second team trains,' Xinhua, the Chinese news agency, reported.
Yu was soon placed in practice lanes next to the likes of Olympic and world relay champion Li Bingjie and two other national team members. 'She is an Olympic champion, I swim in lane zero, she in lane one — that makes me nervous,' Yu said.
By 11, she had clocked times that would have won her several British junior titles in age groups three and even six years older (butterfly) than her. In some events, she would be challenging for places at the Games in Britain's Olympic trials.
Yu's precocious talent earned her the nickname 'Xiaohaijie' — 'the little big girl'.
'I found it quite strange at first, but I really like the nickname,' Yu said. 'At the same time, it also puts pressure on me. I'm afraid of doing poorly and disappointing people.'
Her regime already includes high-altitude training in Yunnan and she covers 10km in the pool every day for at least six days of the week. Her routine and workload have raised eyebrows in many leading nations but Yu has credited her school for striking the right balance.
'Because everything is available here — training, meals, accommodation, lessons — I can fully concentrate on training during the day and go to school in the evening without distractions,' she said.
Yu has conceded that the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming but said that it was her 'duty' to find a way through. As trials for the World Championships loomed large in April, she recalled how daunting the goal of winning a medal at the Chinese Championships felt.
'I almost wanted to give up,' Yu said. 'I was full of emotions and no longer wanted to train. Coaches, team doctor, parents, my first coach — everyone talked to me. I thought back to my beginnings and realised how important swimming is to me. I can't give up.'
Still there are concerns about the pressures put on a 12-year-old. One leadership figure who has worked closely with champions, world-class sports scientists, physiologists and psychologists, said: 'When you have a talented young athlete who stands out at the age of 12, it's about ensuring you do the right thing for the long term, not the long-term development in the sport. 'That means taking things at a sensible pace, introducing the right type of training, the right type of competition at the right moment for them.
'There are plenty of athletes around the world who were identified at 12 years old, who could have been better at 13, 14, 15 and then taken through on a steady pace so that they're in the best physical shape between 20 to 26 years old. They're still in love with the sport, healthy and being able to do what they want and need to do at the right time of their life.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Why Son Heung-min is an even bigger Tottenham legend than Harry Kane as South Korean bids emotional farewell after decade in north London
In the same summer that Harry Kane was walking around a golf course with Gary Neville, telling the world he wanted to leave Tottenham, Son Heung-min was quietly telling the club he would commit to them his peak years. What followed, on the back of a new five-year contract, was the South Korean's best season in a white shirt. His reward for 24 goals was a Premier League Golden Boot. That is why his impending exit will be mourned far more than the departure of Kane two years ago. Kane, like Son, is an infinitely likeable character, but when a player agitates for a move, bridges can sway, if not burn. Son's bond with Tottenham's fanbase has always been watertight. Indeed, the only liquid spilt has been the tears that have flowed in the 24 hours since news broke that he is set to play his final game for the club this weekend, here in his native South Korea. And it was Son himself who opened the emotional floodgates when he sat down in Seoul to confirm his wish to go, with Los Angeles FC the destination. We are used to seeing the forward stop, wait and go again, usually with a posse of helpless defenders in his wake. We will never forget his 80-yard dash and dribble to score against Burnley in 2019. This time, there was no such control. On more than one occasion he had to stop and gather his composure, so overcome was he by the message he was relaying. 'Before we start,' he said. 'I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. 'Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. I just want to share this before we start.' He called it the start, but the only subject entertained in the business-room forum of the skyscraper that doubled as a media suite was, naturally, the end. The end of a decade in north London — 454 games and 173 goals. And, belatedly, a first trophy in May. That Son only arrived in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United as a second-half substitute speaks to part of the reason for his decision to move on — he knows the time is right. So, too, do supporters, the club and new boss Thomas Frank. At 33, there is no shame in that. He has given them his best years, as he promised. But when he stops now, he doesn't get going as quickly as he once did. What has not slowed, and what will never diminish, is the affection felt for him by the fans. Kane, Paul Gascoigne, Teddy Sheringham, David Ginola, each of them might feel somewhat unloved compared to theadoration for Son. The hardest part of his decision had nothing to do with football or finance, really, but in leaving the place and the people he has come to call home. 'It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career,' he eventually went on. 'I have been here for 10 years. It's a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision. I just felt I needed a new environment to push myself, to get more out of me. I think I needed a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time. 'I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, a very young age. A boy who couldn't speak English. I leave as a grown man. So thank you to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love. It felt like it was my home. 'But I think it is the right time to leave. I hope that everyone understands that and respects that.' Son also revealed that his decision came long before this tour of the Far East, which will culminate against Newcastle in front of a sell-out 66,000 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday. 'It's been quite a while since I decided to leave the club,' he said. 'The recent days and weeks have been difficult for me. Son previously enjoyed amazing on-field chemistry with record Spurs goalscorer Harry Kane Kane scored more goals for Spurs than Son but the South Korean is perhaps a bigger club icon 'Although I shared it with close friends, it was difficult to stay private on the outside because I'm still the same person, so it shows what's on the inside. Even in such situations, I did my best to not harm the club or my team-mates.' Son, say those close to the club, was clearly more subdued in Hong Kong last week. And, with such an affable guy, that probably is noticeable. For what we will miss most about him is as much theperson as it is the player. He has been a credit to himself, Tottenham and, by extension, English football. You can be certain that those Newcastle fans at the game will applaud his contribution with genuine respect. A few hours after Son left the business forum, pursued by what felt like the entire South Korean press pack, Eddie Howe spoke glowingly of him. 'I think he is one of the legends of the Premier League,' said the Newcastle boss. 'I've never spent time with him, but he seems like an incredible professional and an incredible person. It will be a great moment to share his last game for Tottenham.' Newcastle will no doubt be grateful for the spotlight to be on Son, so pained has their pre-season been. But gratitude is what we all should feel. Son calls it a pleasure to have spent a decade in the Premier League. The pleasure was all ours.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Team GB star fights back tears after missing aunt's funeral to win British title
Britain's fastest man dedicated his 100m triumph in Birmingham to aunt Iola, whose funeral was taking place in Anguilla at same time as his race Zharnel Hughes fought back tears when dedicating his British 100m title to an aunt whose funeral was taking place while he was competing last night. The national record holder was comfortable enough to celebrate before the line, finishing three-hundredths ahead of Jeremiah Azu in a time of 9.94secs. But Hughes was consoled by world indoor champ Azu when stepping on to the podium and revealed that he had been battling his emotions while mourning the passing of Iola Ebanks in Anguilla. 'A very difficult day for me,' Hughes said. 'I was very close with her. 'Today was a bit of a mental strength game for me. I had to keep suppressing the insides and I couldn't speak with my family because I was getting too emotional. 'Jeremiah was trying to console me a little bit because I almost started crying but this win was for her. I know she would have loved to have seen this. I dedicate this win to my family and everyone back home.' There was a shock in the women's final as favourite Daryll Neita was disqualified for a false start before Amy Hunt ran a lifetime best 11.02secs to secure her place in next month's World Championships in Tokyo. Desiree Henry finished second to Hunt but must still run the 11.10secs qualifying time by August 26 to secure her spot. Hunt planned to toast Saturday night's win with a trip to Nando's but returns on Sunday for the 200m and a duel with Dina Asher-Smith. 'We're 1-1 in the head to head so far this year,' Hunt said. 'I'm ready to bring it. I want to win two titles.' Georgia Hunter Bell wants to win the national 800m title on Sunday afternoon before deciding whether to make a double run for gold at next month's World Championships. The 1500m Olympic bronze medallist plans to seek advice from Dame Kelly Holmes, who won both middle distance titles in Athens 21 years ago, about the logistics of targeting two distances. However with her team-mate and reigning Olympic champ Keely Hodgkinson yet to return from injury, Hunter Bell admits her path to a global title appears clearer over two laps. And that is largely down to Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon being so far ahead of the rest over 1500m. 'It's hard to see how you can get gold when she's in it,' said Hunter Bell after comfortably qualifying fastest from Saturday's trials heats, with Jemma Reekie next best. The top two will be guaranteed their seat on the plane. Hunter Bell's place over the longer distance in Tokyo is already secure thanks to her podium finish in Paris last summer. But she added: 'The 1500m is so good and this year has moved on from last year. Whereas the 800m is not as strong. 'So looking at it, at the end of the day you want to win a medal. There's stuff to consider but that's an issue for next week.' World indoor champion Molly Caudery was a class above in the pole vault - not joining the competition until a height of 4.35m that proved high enough for Tilly Hooper to claim silver. And after successfully making it over 4.85m, Caudery said: 'That was so much fun. I've just kind of been finding my flow again and figuring a few things out but it was really exciting to jump over the 80s again.' Elsewhere in the field Lawrence Okoye slung a championship record 65.93m for discus gold and promised: "There is quite a lot still to come because I didn't quite get it altogether out there." Anna Purchase also produced a championship record 72.96m in the hammer. But there was a surprise in the men's long jump as favourite Jacob Fincham-Dukes finished sixth while Alessandro Schenini leapt 7.85m to win. Alicia Barrett won the 100m hurdles and Scott Lincoln claimed his 20th national title in the shot put.
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
Zharnel Hughes dedicates British 100m title to aunt after missing her funeral to race
After a sluggish start and a thunderous, triumphant finish, Zharnel Hughes dedicated his freshly claimed British 100m title to his aunt, whose funeral he was forced to miss so that he could compete in Birmingham this weekend. Hughes, the world bronze medallist, hails from the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, where his aunt Iola was being laid to rest at the same time as he was taking on the best sprinters in Britain. The sacrifice paid off when he blitzed his way to a winning time of 9.94sec at the Alexander Stadium, before paying tribute to his family on the other side of the world. 'Today is a very difficult day for me,' he said. 'My auntie is getting buried right now. Her funeral is going on and I'm missing out. I was very close with her, so today was a bit of a mental strength game for me. 'I had to keep suppressing inside and I couldn't speak to my family because I would get emotional. Jeremiah [Azu] was trying to console me because I almost started crying. This win was for her.' As a world medallist, Hughes was already assured of a 100m spot on the British team for next month's Tokyo world championships, but runner-up Azu now has work to do. The world and indoor 60m champion surged into an early lead before he was reined in heading towards the finish line. His time of 9.97sec will not count as a world championships qualifying standard due to the 2.2m/s tailwind, leaving him three weeks to chase the required 10sec time before the team is confirmed. Louie Hinchliffe, who already has the standard, clocked 10.01sec for bronze. There was drama before the women's 100m when favourite Daryll Neita, who finished fourth at the Olympics last year, was harshly disqualified for a false start after twitching in her blocks. Her absence – having clocked a dominant 11.00sec to win her semi-final at a canter – meant no one came close to challenging Amy Hunt, who triumphed in a personal best 11.02sec to secure her seat on the plane for Tokyo. With Dina Asher-Smith – who is only contesting the 200m this weekend – guaranteed her spot, that leaves Neita uncertain of the final place. Desiree Henry, who finished second in 11.32sec, will now attempt an unlikely bid to clock the qualifying standard of 11.07sec. Neita will hope she does not succeed. 'It would have been nice to have Daryll in the race,' said Hunt. 'That was a big loss. I wanted to come out here and beat her. I want to prove myself in a head to head, so to not get the chance to race her was disappointing for me because I think that would have pushed me to an even quicker time. I personally would have run under protest, but the nature of championship racing is you have to hold your nerve on the line.' Hunt, Neita and Asher-Smith will now battle over 200m on Sunday, with the trio separated by less than half a second on season's bests. The podium in Tokyo is the definite aim for Molly Caudery, who made light work of a modest pole vault field, wrapping up the British title with her second effort and continuing to move top of this summer's global standings by clearing 4.85m. She insisted she will not be affected by the trauma of last year's Olympics, where she failed to record a single valid attempt when expected to challenge for gold. 'It happened. It was just a bad day,' she said. 'I definitely don't think it will happen again and I'll do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen again. I've overcome all the demons that came from it. It's all in the past. 'I would love to get a medal. After what happened last year, I was so focused on getting a medal, I just need to get through qualification first and then think about it. But that's definitely the big goal for the year.' Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion Elsewhere, there were championship records in two throwing events, with Anna Purchase winning the hammer in 72.96m and Lawrence Okoye claiming the discus in 65.93m.
