Yu Zidi of China is seen before the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese prodigy Yu Zidi narrowly missed out on a medal for the third time at the World Aquatics Championships, finishing fourth in the women's 400-meter individual medley final on Sunday.

The 12-year-old, who had qualified as third fastest after winning her heat in 4 minutes and 36.49 seconds, stayed in medal contention for much of the final and was sitting third at the halfway mark.

However, she ultimately touched home in 4:33.76, just 0.50 seconds behind joint silver medalists Jenna Forrester of Australia and Mio Narita of Japan.

Yu had previously finished fourth in both the 200m individual medley and the 200m butterfly, narrowly missing the podium in each.

Canada's Summer McIntosh, the Olympic champion and world record holder, dominated the race to win gold in 4:25.78, claiming her fourth gold medal of the championships. ■

Yu Zidi (C) of China is seen after the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Summer McIntosh of Canada greets the spectators after the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Yu Zidi of China competes during the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Summer McIntosh (R) of Canada celebrates with Jenna Forrester of Australia after the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Summer McIntosh of Canada competes during the women's 400m individual medley final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)