MANILA, Philippines — La Salle Greenhills standout Behrouz Mohammad Madi Mojdeh laid down an explosive opening-day statement, shattering two meet records to lead a medal-heavy Swim League Philippines campaign at the 3rd Asian Open Schools Invitational (AOSI) Short Course Swimming Championships Saturday at the Assumption University Aquatics Center Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 15-year-old La Salle Greenhills phenom and Behrouz Elite Swimming Team (BEST) powerhouse asserted total dominance in the boys’ 15-year 200m Individual Medley, touching the wall in 2:12.31 to claim gold and annihilate the previous record of 1:13.37 set by Thailand’s Thitichot Ong in 2024.
Refusing to take his foot off the gas, Mojdeh struck gold a second time in the boys’ 15-year 200m breaststroke, demolishing Singaporean Wai Yan Pyne’s 2024 mark of 2:36.41 with a blistering 2:26.53 finish.
"It was a good start for me. It makes me even more eager for my next events—I'm more motivated, and I'm hungrier than ever,” said Mojdeh, brother of national swimming team member Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh.
The Philippine contingency kept the momentum surging as Annika Quinto and Clara Maligat each snagged gold, complemented by a silver performance from Mikhael Jasper Mikee Mojdeh and a bronze effort by Athena Custodio.
Quinto outstripped the field in the girls’ 15-year 50m freestyle with a 28.30 mark, while Maligat sprinted to victory in the girls’ 15-year 25m butterfly. Mikee Mojdeh powered through for silver in the boys’ 11-year 200m IM (2:50.56), and Custodio secured bronze in the girls’ 15-year 200m breaststroke (3:08.53).
The fierce showing followed a stirring call to duty from BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh, who challenged the swimmers to embrace their role on the international stage.
“The moment we stepped foot outside the Philippines to compete, we stopped being just individual athletes, coaches, and parents,” Joan said. “Out here, to every swimmer, coach, official, and spectator in this venue, we are the Philippines. Every movement, every lap, every interaction with fellow athletes, coaches, and parents, we carry the name of the Philippines.” “Show them what true Filipino pride looks like: not through arrogance, but through discipline, humility, and absolute respect. When you step onto those blocks, fight with everything you’ve got,” she added. “Before and after the race, carry yourself with honor, sportsmanship, and grace. Let them see our heart, our work ethic, and our character. Swim with purpose, act with pride, and let’s make our country proud.” TMT
