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Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh – who holds the Philippine national junior record – and Julia Ysabelle Basa gave sizzling performances that catapulted the Philippines BEST-Swim League Philippines to podium finishes at the 10th Circle of Swimmers of Melun Val de Seine held at the Piscine de Melun swimming pool in Melun, France.
Mojdeh, from Brent International School, dominated the women’s 16-17 100m butterfly event, beating France bets silver medalist Louise Buannic-Guirriec and bronze medalist Clara Pagnon.
“We are very happy with the overall turnout of our campaign here in France. Last day was the hottest day since we came to France and this gave an extra edge to our team coming from a tropical country that is used to humid weather. Our swimmers really gave their best effort and managed to add more to the medal count of the team,” said Joan Mojdeh, team manager of Philippines BEST-Swim League.
Basa, from Immaculate Heart of Mary College-Parañaque, claimed the gold medal in the women’s 14-15 100m butterfly.
The 14-year-old Basa defeated silver medalist Dania Oularbi and bronze winner Diane Saisse — both from host France.
“I am proud that we have well represented our country here in Europe. Hopefully, we can go back next year,” Mojdeh added. “They were amazed by how good our swimmers are. We are also in awe at how good French swimmers are. They gave our team a good fight and we are very happy to be exposed in such a competitive environment which is what our grassroots swimmers really need.”
Another Filipino swimmer, Hugh Antonio Parto, from Batangas, placed second in the men’s 15-16 100m butterfly in the tournament that was participated by more than 500 tankers including Olympians Jeremy Desplanches of Switzerland and Charlotte Bonnet of France.
Finishing with bronze medals were Ivan Nicholas Radovan (men’s 17-18 100m butterfly) and Yohan Mikhail Cabana (men’s 100m backstroke).
Mojdeh said, “We would like to extend our appreciation to the entire Melun Swimming Community for such amazing accommodation they have shown to the entire team. To Coach Herve Piquee, Fadela El Barodi and Judith Communaudat as well as to Olympians Jeremy Desplanches and Charlotte Bonnet.”.