World Junior Championships semifinalist and Philippine national junior record holder Jasmine Mojdeh is set to see action for CALABARZON in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.
The standout from Laguna-based BRENT International School Manila will be representing CALABARZON for the first and last time after representing the National Capital Region in the 2018 and 2019 edition.
“So far, I’m trying to enjoy my last Palaro lang since yung huling Palaro ko is nung grade seven pa ako, so, now I’m just trying to enjoy and really get the most out of it,” Mojdeh shared with GMA Regional TV News.
The multi-titled swimmer who will be a center of attention in Cebu City was awarded Most Valuable Player for swimming in the elementary girls division back in 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
The following year, Mojdeh bagged two gold meals, two silver medals, and a bronze medal at the age of 12 and had just entered high school in her last appearance in the annual multi-sporting event held in Davao City.
“Very proud moment and very excited to represent CALABARZON, especially first time ko i-represent… so, I’m happy to give it my best for my first and last one,” she added.
Last year, when the annual multi-sporting event made its comeback after postponement due to the coronavirus disease, Mojdeh failed to participate as she set her focus on the World Junior Championships.
The University of Southern California-commit in the US NCAA is expected to compete in the 200m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and some relays.
“I’m trying to aim to break all my events pero yung pinaka-aim ko talaga is yung 200m butterfly,” she said.
Mojdeh’s vast experience internationally will be one of her advantages in the upcoming Palaro. She admitted that competing against much stronger swimmers with different styles and techniques helped her become battle-ready at a young age.
“Nakakalaban ako ng iba’t-ibang swimmers from different countries with different styles, so, I know how to react to that specific type of style of swimmer,” Mojdeh said.
LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
Earlier IN 2024, Mojdeh clinched one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in the 2024 Asia Pacific Activities Conference Swimming Championships in Beijing, China.
She also contributed to the country's medal haul in the Asian Age Group Championships hosted by the Philippines in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac last February where she claimed the bronze medal in the girls 15-17 200m butterfly.
Last June 2024, Mojdeh brought home two bronze medals from the 13th Asean Schools Games swimming competitions held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
“Hindi na din ako kinakabahan kasi sanay na ako sa mas malalakas sa akin sa ibang bansa so parang nawawala din yung pressure kasi sanay na ako,” she said.
Interestingly, if there is one thing that puts pressure on the prodigy, it will be that she will swim against younger swimmers, which puts her in an unfamiliar situation.
“Dati, sanay ako na ako yung pinakabata tapos ako yung nakakatalo sa mas matanda sa akin, so, medyo may pressure nga doon sa mas mabata sa akin like mga 14 and 13 year olds.” she said.
