SINGAPORE  — At just 12 years old, China’s Yu Zidi made a stunning debut at the World Aquatics Championships, reaching three individual finals and earning a relay medal — a breakout performance that turned heads at a meet marked by world records and intense rivalries.

The eight-day swimming competition concluded Sunday in Singapore with three world records and 15 championship records. As the first major long-course showdown ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it showcased the continued dominance of the United States and Australia as well as the rapid rise of young international stars.

Yu became the youngest swimmer in history to win a world championship medal, earning bronze in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay after swimming in the heats. Though she did not race in the final, her contribution secured a place on the podium.

Her individual results were just as striking. Yu placed fourth in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley, narrowly missing medals in all three. Competing against swimmers more than twice her age, she captivated the swimming world.

Yu said racing against elite swimmers she once only watched on television offered invaluable experience.