Chinese swimmer reaches world championships final aged 12
Yu, who juggles swimming with her homework, is also competing in the 400m medley and the 200m butterfly against most of the best swimmers on the planet.
"I'm in? Oh, I'm happy about that and I will continue to work harder," she said after realising she had made Monday's final.
"I hope to find a breakthrough at these world championships and show my potential."
Asked how it felt to be on the world stage, following some eye-catching performances at China's national championships, she said: "It feels really good. How do I put it... it's much more than my expectations.
"You can feel it's quite intense. I try not to think so much, and just give it my all."
Yu discovered swimming as a small child in order to escape China's fierce summer heat.
Yu, who turns 13 in October, previously told Chinese state media: "I often went to cool off at swimming pools... (and) a coach discovered me."
Olympic champion and world record holder Summer McIntosh qualified fastest for the 200m medley final in 2:07.39
© 2025 AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
10 hours ago
- France 24
Competitive element of Tour de France final stage removed after rain
The decision to freeze the times with about 50 kilometres left to go takes away the competitive element of the final stage. The route takes in three circuits around the Sacre Coeur basilica for the first time this year after organisers introduced the change following the success of the road races at last year's Paris Olympics, which were attended by huge crowds. But as tens of thousands of people gathered at the tourist hotspot this year to watch the stage, light rain began to fall around 90 minutes before the riders were due to arrive and organisers decided to 'neutralise' the times. Organisers hoped to introduce an element of risk by including the three circuits around the tight bends and cobbled streets of Montmartre. "Due to slippery roads on shady spots in Montmartre, it has been decided, in accordance with the commissaires of the UCI and representatives of teams and riders, to stop the time at the 4th passage on the finish line - i.e. before the three laps featuring the Cote de la Butte Montmartre," organisers said. As a result, the overall standings will remain unchanged, meaning Tadej Pogacar remains in the lead. However, the Slovenian will still need to cross the finish line on the Champs-Elysees avenue to be declared winner of the race.
France 24
11 hours ago
- France 24
Late Odegaard penalty gives Arsenal 3-2 win over Newcastle
Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish international striker signed on Saturday from Sporting Lisbon, was introduced to the crowd of more than 38,700 before kickoff. He watched from the bench as his new club won an entertaining encounter in the Singapore heat. The 27-year-old could make his debut when Arsenal take on Tottenham in Hong Kong next Thursday in another friendly. "We are increasing the quality of the squad all the time, so we're super happy to have Viktor with us," said manager Mikel Arteta. "It has been a long journey to get him here." Newcastle, who were missing striker Alexander Isak as he considers his future, scored with their first attack in the sixth minute. New signing Anthony Elanga blasted the ball into the bottom corner after meeting a cross from Sandro Tonali. But Arsenal overcame a shaky start, regaining their rhythm and control of the game. Mikel Merino levelled in the 33rd minute from Kai Havertz's flick. Arsenal were ahead two minutes later when defender Alex Murphy fumbled the ball into his own net. The Magpies almost conceded a third after the restart but had keeper Nick Pope to thank after he stopped a bicycle kick by Bukayo Saka. Against the run of play, substitute Jacob Murphy levelled for Newcastle a minute later after his shot from outside the box sneaked past David Raya. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, it was 15-year-old Max Dowman's deep run into the box, where he was clipped by Joelinton, that proved to be the game-changer. Odegaard made no mistake from the spot to give Arsenal their second win in Singapore following a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. "Playing against Newcastle today wasn't just a friendly. It was a real test," said Arteta. "It gave us the chance to raise our competitiveness and physical level. There are still things we need to work on, like how we compete, understand our positions and show the willingness to win."
LeMonde
13 hours ago
- LeMonde
A year later, French fans relive the 'non-stop joy' of Paris 2024
Near Montpellier, where he spends the summer selling accras (Caribbean fritters), Sullivan Pierre enjoys the sun and the sea, but admits to feeling a touch of nostalgia. Just a year ago, this newly graduated mechanical engineer experienced his "best summer" in Paris. Because of the Olympic Games, most Parisians had left, grumbling, convinced their city would become a security fortress. The 22-year-old from the eastern town of Morteau was among the many members of sports clubs from across France who converged on the capital, determined to "make the most of an unprecedented moment while helping to create a fantastic atmosphere." "Having the Olympics at home is a once in a lifetime thing, if you're lucky," said Pierre. Along with a few friends his age, he spent months organizing an event for about 40 members, ranging in age from 10 to 70, of the artistic gymnastics section of Saint-Michel Morteau. This is the multisport and cultural association that he has attended since childhood. "We spent more than two years self-funding this project relatively inexpensively by organizing raffles and fondue nights," the young man said. He also proudly carried the Olympic torch in his native Franche-Comté region.
