BRENT International School-Manila pride Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh will be shooting for gold medals when the 13th Asean Schools Games (ASG) swimming competition begins on Monday in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Mojdeh, a semifinalist in the 2021 World Junior Championships in Peru, plunges into action in the finals of the girls' 400m individual medley first before competing in the preliminary round of the 100m butterfly.
The Filipino-Iranian tanker hopes to surpass her two-bronze medal showing — both in butterfly events — in the 2019 edition held in Semarang, Indonesia.
Last Saturday, Mojdeh served as the country's flag bearer in the opening ceremonies of the multi-sporting event, waving the Philippine flag along with more than 160 athletes.
"Being chosen as the flag bearer is an honor I won't forget. But this time, I'm not just carrying a symbol — I'm chasing a dream. I'm back in my second Asean Schools Games, stronger, and determined to bring home the medal that will make our nation proud," said Mojdeh, the lone female flag bearer in the parade of nations.
Besides the 400m individual medley and 100m butterfly, Mojdeh also slated to compete in the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley events as well as in 4x100m freestyle relay.
"I'm really excited to compete this time. I really prepared hard for this for months now and I'm looking forward to get better results compared to my first campaign in the Asean Schools Games back in 2019 when I was just 13," said the 17-year old Mojdeh, a member of the Behrouz Elite Swimming Team.
Also seeing action the girls' division are Kyla Bulaga, Shania Baraquiel, Krystal David, Catherine Cruz, Riannah Coleman, Clara de los Santos, Trixie Ortiguerra, Daryn Santamaria, Patricia Santor, Renavive Subida, Maxene Uy, Ishaelle Villa and Ashley Wong.
Palarong Pambansa multi-gold medalist Aishel Cid Evangelista, Julian de Kam and Joaquin Taguinod will be at the forefront of the Philippines' campaign in the boys' class.