MANILA, Philippines — Veteran international campaigner Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh delivered a strong performance to advance to the women’s 200m butterfly finals on Thursday in the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup third leg being held in Singapore.
With a time of two minutes and 16.58 seconds, Mojdeh secured a spot in the eight-swimmer finale.
She finished third in Heat 1 behind Laura Lahtinen of Finland (2:07.73) and Femke Spiering of the Netherlands (2:12.54).
Mojdeh expressed optimism about her improved condition, stating, “I felt heavy in South Korea, but I’m feeling better now in Singapore. My warm-up before the event was good, and I hope to achieve an even better time in the finals.”
This marks Mojdeh’s second appearance in the World Cup, following her participation in the second leg held last week in Incheon, South Korea.
Mojdeh, a member of Behrouz Elite Swimming Team, will be joined in the finals by Southeast Asian Games champion Xiandi Chua, who also qualified after finishing fifth in Heat 2 with a time of 2:14.11.
Australia’s Bella Grant topped Heat 2 with 2:05.13, followed by compatriot Brittany Castellyzzo (2:06.01). Singapore’s Nichole Toh finished third (2:08.46), while Taiwan’s Applejean Gwinn placed fourth (2:13.00).
As the youngest finalist, Mojdeh is determined to hold her own against elite competition.
“The finals will be fierce, but I’ll push myself to improve my time. Qualifying for the finals is already a feat,” said Mojdeh, an incoming freshman at University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
BEST team manager Joan Mojdeh coudn’t hide her joy over Jasmine’s latest achievement.
“We’re extremely proud of her. All her hard work in training is finally paying off. We’re here to support her all the way.”
The finals is scheduled on Thursday night. TMT
