SLP-BEST swimmers show force in PSI Grand Prix NCR Leg

Photo: THE SLP-BEST team on their Sarimanok-inspired FINIS competition uniform.

MEMBERS of the Swim League Philippines-Behrouz Elite Swimming Team headed by rising star Filipino-British Heather White and National record holder Jasmine Mojdeh remained a force to reckon with at the junior level with strong performances even as Jamesray Mishael Ajido set three new junior records in the just concluded 2022 Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) Long Course Grand Prix Qualifying Series NCR leg at the newly refurbished Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The Vietnam-educated White stamped her might in the 14-15 class with victories in five events while the 16-year-old Mojdeh, dubbed ‘The Water Beast’, as expected ruled her favorite events in her class in the two-day competition serving as part of the selection process for members of the Philippine Team to see action in different age-group international competition including the SEA Age-Group Championship this year.

White, 15, a student at the ABC International School Vietnam, ruled the girls’ 200m, Individual Medley, in two minutes and 32.04 seconds. She also dominated the 50m breaststroke (35:31), 400m freestyle (4:47.67), 100m butterfly (1:04.25), and 50m freestyle (27.00).

Heather’s oldest brother Ruben shares the limelight as he topped the boys’ 16-18 class 50m freestyle in 23.75 seconds.

Mojdeh, a Brent International student, claimed victory in the 16-18 class 100m butterfly in a time of 1:04.25 before finishing second to Shairrine Flriano (2:28.59) in the 200m Individual Medley with a clock of 2:29.35.

Heather and Ruben White

Ajido, a member of Antipolo Gems Sea Scorpions, set three new Philippine Junior records in the Boys’ 11-13 years old category for winning the 100m Backstroke (1:03.28), 200m Individual Medley (2:15.87), and 100m Butterfly (58.82).

“We’re happy and proud sa ating mga swimmers. Maganda ang naisuubmit na time ng ating mga swimmers. Syempre, thankful kami sa coaching staff led by coach Virgilio De Luna for their patience and will para ma-inspired ang mga bata during training and event proper,” said SLP team manager Joan Mojdeh.

Also part of the PH B.E.S.T. coaching staff are Milvien Mirandilla, Albert De Luna, Albert Sermonia, Philbert Papa, Fred Galang Ancheta, Jen Sermonia and Jerricson Llaños.

The SLP-BEST swimmers who all made it to the next phase of the tournament are

Marcus De Kam, Yuan Parto, Julia Basa, Madi Mojdeh, John Neil Paderes, Jules Mirandilla, Albert Sermonia, Yohan Cabana, Lance Lotino, Jenn Sermonia, Zahjeed Sarmiento, Alex Marasigan, Julian De Kam, Ashby Jayce Canlas, Peter Dean, Mikos Trinidad, Amina Mondonedo, Arianna Carandang, Mikai Trinidad, Chloe Laurente, Zandro Carandang, Shinloah San Diego, Renz Sabalvaro, Brendan Viñas, Ysabell Alterado, and Lleyton Allen.