Chinese star Yu sparks wonder and concern

Beating a 12-year-old rival was once child's play for an elite swimmer but it has become an unlikely badge of honour when China's Yu Zidi is in the race.

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Only the very best in women's swimming were able to beat Yu at the world championships where the prodigy became the youngest medallist in the global meet's 52-year history. Yet even as the swimming world marvelled at Yu's talent, her age raised questions about the ethics of someone so young competing at the highest level.

In a sport where the mental and physical toll can prove overwhelming for adults, Yu's success at the world championships was viewed dimly by some child protection advocates.

"Twelve-years-old is incredibly young in swimming," author Linda Flanagan, a vocal opponent of children competing in elite sport, told Reuters.