Two rising stars from China made waves at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania this week, securing podium finishes that highlight the nation’s growing prowess in youth sports. Eighteen-year-old Yang Peiqi claimed gold in the women’s 800-meter freestyle, while 17-year-old Xu Haibo earned silver in the men’s 200-meter freestyle.
Yang delivered a masterclass in endurance racing, overtaking Argentina’s Agostina Hein and Russia’s Kseniia Misharina after trailing early in the event. Her final time of 8:22.93 marked a decisive victory and her first individual world junior title. “This result motivates me to aim higher at senior competitions,” Yang said post-race.
Xu narrowly missed gold in a thrilling men’s 200m final, finishing 1.52 seconds behind Italy’s record-breaking Carlos D’Ambrosio. Japan’s Raito Numata completed the podium with bronze. The performances underscore Asia’s strengthening presence in global aquatics, with athletes from the region claiming 40% of Wednesday’s medals.
