China’s teen swimming sensation Yu becomes youngest ever to receive Laureus nomination

Chinese swimming sensation Yu Zidi has been nominated for a Laureus World Sports Award, the youngest athlete to ever receive that honour.

The 13-year-old is up for the Breakthrough of the Year Award alongside the likes of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Formula 1 champion Lando Norris.

There has been recognition too for Hong Kong charity Rugby for Good in the Laureus Sport for Good category.

Yu made history at the World Aquatics Championships last year, becoming the youngest swimmer to ever medal at the event, claiming bronze as part of China women’s 4x200m freestyle relay team when she was just 12.

The teenager is the second Chinese swimmer to be nominated for the breakthrough award, after Qin Haiyang in 2024, and if successful will be the first from the country to win the category since ex-NBA star Yao Ming, who won in 2003 and went on to become a Laureus World Sports Academy Member 12 years later.

Rugby For Good has been recognised for the rugby sessions its runs to support children with ADHD and their families and is one of six projects in the category, alongside programmes that promote football, tennis and other sports in disadvantaged communities around the world.

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