MANILA, Philippines — For Behrouz Mohammad ‘Madi’ Mojdeh, the long chase is finally over—and a bigger journey has just begun.
With powerful strokes and unwavering resolve, the young standout from Behrouz Elite Swimming Team (BEST) punched his ticket to the Philippine junior national squad set to compete in the 48th Southeast Asian Age-Group Championships later this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The breakthrough came in emphatic fashion at the PAI National Age-Group Championships, where Mojdeh carved his name among the country’s brightest prospects. At the world-class New Clark City Aquatics Center, he clocked a blistering 2:11.28 in the boys’ 14–15 200-meter butterfly—sealing his long-awaited spot on the national team.
“For two years, I’ve been chasing the dream,” Mojdeh shared, his voice carrying both relief and pride. “Today, that dream becomes a reality. Finally taking that first step toward wearing our national colors is something I can’t quite put into words.”
But Mojdeh didn’t just qualify—he dominated.
Like a force in the pool, he racked up four gold medals, ruling the 100m butterfly (59.19), 400m individual medley (4:52.03), and 50m butterfly (27.10), on top of his signature 200m fly triumph. He also snared a silver medal in the 200m individual medley (2:17.13), capping off a performance that underscored both his versatility and hunger.
And he’s far from satisfied.
“While we’re focused on reaching the podium at SEA Age, I want to push my limits even more,” Mojdeh said. “There’s still so much room to grow.”
Behind the medals and milestones lies a deeper fire—one fueled by family, ambition, and country.
“This is just the beginning,” he declared. “I’m ready to work harder than ever and give everything I have to make our country proud. Para sa Pilipinas.”
Watching from the sidelines—and from the heart—was his mother and BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh, who has seen every early morning, every sacrifice, and every breakthrough.
“Watching Madi’s journey has been truly inspiring,” she said. “In such a competitive field, making the national team is already a huge achievement.”
Madi’s rise also mirrors the path of his older sister, Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, a national team member who saw action in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok. What began as inspiration has now become a shared pursuit, with the siblings training side by side, pushing each other to greater heights.
And perhaps, one day, sharing the same stage.
“I hope to see them swim together for the country in the SEA Games,” Joan said.
From a dream chased in quiet determination to a flag-bearing future now within reach, Mojdeh’s story is only gaining momentum—one stroke, one race, one victory at a time. TMT
