PH-BEST tankers all set for Middle East Open in Dubai

THE five-member Philippines Behrouz Elite Swimming Team (BEST) is all set to compete in the prestigious 2022 Middle East Open and Junior Championship slated on February 12 to 14 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Leading the charge of the Filipino tankers in the three-day meet is Brent International School standout Filipino-Iranian Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, who will be vying for gold medals in five events.

Mojdeh, a Philippine national junior record holder, takes part in the women's 50 meters (m) butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 400m individual medley (IM) and 200m breaststroke events.

Joining the Palarong Pambansa multi-gold medalist in the open category are Filipino-British Heather White and Ruben White — both coming off intensive training abroad before flying to Dubai.

Heather shoots for medals in the women's 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m IM, while Ruben eyes the top honors in the men's 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle categories.

"They are all excited to compete again in an international competition after almost two years. They are raring to win and bring honors to our country," said BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh.

Seeing action in the juniors division are Swim League Philippines standouts Hannah White and Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh, who will participate in eight events — 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 100m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m IM.

On the other hand, Hannah vies for medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m IM.

"We would like to thank the Philippine Airlines courtesy of Mr. Philbert Papa and Ms. Loida Vargas Purser for assisting us in this trip," added Joan, who will be accompanied by Rubeyn Jenny White, team manager of the White siblings.

More than 500 tankers are expected to show up in the three-day meet, including those from powerhouse England, United States, Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Germany and Norway.

Source: TheManila Times