China's 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi moved closer to a hat-trick of Asian Games gold medals on Wednesday after clocking the fastest qualifying time in the women's 400m individual medley. Yu, who has already won two gold medals at the Games in Tokyo, topped the heats in 4 minutes 39.43 seconds.
Yu finished 0.36 seconds ahead of Japan's Mio Narita to qualify fastest for the final. She has already won the women's 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley titles this week.
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The schoolgirl has attracted global attention since becoming the youngest medallist in World Championships history last year, when she won bronze as part of China's relay team at the age of 12.
Her performances have also raised expectations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she is emerging as a potential medal contender.
China team-mate Zhang Yufei, a multiple Olympic gold medallist and world champion, said Yu's performances no longer came as a surprise.
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"Everyone is thinking, 'Wow, what will her next result be? What will she do in her next competition?'," said Zhang, 28.
"Expectations have become bigger than surprise. I hope she can withstand that pressure."
Zhang, who won the 10th Asian Games gold medal of her career this week as part of China's 4x100m freestyle relay team, said she was initially surprised by Yu's rise.
"I only see her at the domestic trials and major international competitions each year," Zhang said.
"But every time I see her compete, I can see that she has improved again, and that makes me very happy."
Yu's performances at the Asian Games have sparked widespread interest in China. Her story, including how a swimming coach spotted her by chance at a water park and her struggles with interviews, has gone viral.
Zhang said Yu could become a leading figure in Chinese swimming and expressed hope that she would continue to build on her progress.
"I hope this young girl can continue to maintain this momentum and give Chinese swimming hope," she said.
"We also want to see just how far she can go in the future."
(With inputs from agencies)
