Japanese star Ikee gives all thumbs up to 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu

SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese swimming icon Rikako Ikee had high praise for Yu Zidi, the 12-year-old Chinese sensation at the World Aquatics Championships, calling her "an amazing swimmer" and predicting a bright future that could include the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"She is amazing. She is still 12, maybe she will go to L.A.," said the 25-year-old Ikee in English on Saturday. "Everyone is a bit scared of her."

Reflecting on her own early career, Ikee added, "When I was 12 years old, I got No. 1 at the national championships in Japan."

Ikee herself is one of Japan's most celebrated swimmers. She made history at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, winning six gold and two silver medals, and becoming the first female athlete to be named MVP of the Games. Her career was interrupted in 2019 when she was diagnosed with leukemia, but she made an inspiring comeback and announced late last year that her leukemia is in complete remission.

Since returning to competitive swimming in 2021, Ikee has competed at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and won a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. In Singapore, she placed 11th in the 50m butterfly and 14th in the 100m butterfly, remaining one of Japan's top swimmers.

Yu has been one of the breakout stars of this year's championships. She placed fourth in both the 200m individual medley and 200m butterfly, narrowly missing the podium. She also earned a bronze medal after contributing to China's performance in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay, helping the team advance to the semifinals. ■