Mojdeh, White cop golds in Batang Pinoy

MANILA, Philippines: World Championships campaigners Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh and Heather White powered the Paranaque swimming team to four-gold medal output on Tuesday in the 2023 Batang Pinoy swimming competition at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Mojdeh, a Brent International School standout, delivered two gold medals in individual event and one mint in relay in the girls’ division.

The 17-year-old Mojdeh dominated the 200m Individual Medley event after submitting and impressive time of two minutes and 28.18 seconds.

Mojdeh outclassed Lora Amoguis, who registered 2:31.04 to settle for silver and Aubrey Tom, who submitted 2:34.51 good enough for bronze.

Moments later, Mojdeh reigned supreme in the 50m butterfly to capture her second gold medal in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Mojdeh then joined forces with White, Julia Ysabelle Basa and Kiera Macaraig in winning the girls’ 4x50m medley relay.

Mojdeh and White are fresh from a successful campaign in the Winter Juniors Swiming Championships in Bellevue, California.

“I am still tired coming from Winter Juniors and a bit jet lagged arriving just three days prior to Batang Pinoy. But I am happy that my time was not way off my personal best. Thanks to my coaches for guiding me through the back to back meets,” said Mojdeh, a semifinalist in the prestigious World Championships held in Lima, Peru last year.

Besides winning gold in the 4x50m medley relay, White also secured a gold in the girls’ 100m freestyle event.

She checked in at 58.85 seconds, outclassing silver medalist Trixie Ortiguerra (1:01.55) and bronze medalist Jie Talosig (1:01.60).

“I have worked super hard to train and prepare for it this year. However, I owe it all to my parents and Bellevue Club Swim Team for their endless support and I’ll ensure to make them proud,” said White.