PH BEST bags 25 medals in Junior Nationals

(UPDATE) THE Philippines Behrouz Elite Swimming Team (PH BEST) bagged six gold medals, 12 silver medals and seven bronze medals to clinch the first place trophy at the recently concluded 2025 Junior National Championships held at the Rizal Memorial Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

Filipino British swimmer Hannah White starred for PH BEST, claiming two gold medals and three silver medals in the girls' 13-year division.

White, an ABC International School standout, showcased her impressive form by dominating the 100-meter (m) butterfly with a time of 1:07.34 and also excelled in the 50-m butterfly, clocking 30.03 seconds.

White added three silver medals to her collection in the 100-m freestyle (1:03.19), 400-m freestyle (4:58.68) and 50-m freestyle (28.50).

PH BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh said, "I'm happy about the progress our swimmers made at the national tryouts. Their improved times are a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our coaching staff."

"It's fantastic to see the collaboration between seasoned coach Sherwyn and our talented new coaches, Jeremiah and Emman, with the continued support of Coach Jerricson Llanos, who's been with BEST since the beginning," she added.

Ana David also made a strong showing, claiming two golds, six silvers and one bronze in the girls' 15-year class.

David topped the 200-m freestyle (2:12.25) and 200-m breaststroke (2:47.66) while finishing second in the 400-m freestyle (4:48.01), 200-m butterfly (1:06.83), 50-m freestyle (28.32), 200-m IM (2:30.46), 100-m freestyle (1:00.72) and 50-m butterfly (30.39).

She settled for bronze in the 200-m butterfly (2:31.58).

Yugo Cabana also excelled, winning two gold and three bronze medals in the boys' 15-year category.

Cabana dominated the 200-m butterfly (2:13.30) and 100-m butterfly (59.15). He secured bronze medals in the 100-m freestyle (55.68), 50-m butterfly (27.24) and 200-m individual medley (IM) (2:19.55).

Mojdeh said, "This step-by-step approach with our young swimmers is certainly the right way to build a strong foundation."

Palarong Pambansa qualifier Behrouz Mohammad "Madi" Mojdeh also showed strength, securing three silver medals and one bronze in the boys' 14-year class.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary College-Parañaque standout finished second in the 200-m butterfly (2:16.60), 400-m IM (4:58.58) and 100-m breaststroke (1:13.30) while earning bronze in the 200-m breaststroke (2:41.03).

Annika Quinto contributed two bronze medals in the girls' 14-year category, finishing third in the 50-m backstroke (34.14) and 100-m backstroke (1:12.74).

Mojdeh expressed, "While I'm somewhat saddened that none of our swimmers qualified for the SEA Age this year... it's crucial to focus on the notable progress our young swimmers have made."