PHILIPPINE national junior record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh and Julia Ysabelle Basa powered the Philippines BEST-Swim League Philippines to another sizzling performance in the 10th Circle of Swimmers of Melun Val de Seine held at the Piscine de Melun swimming pool in Melun, France.

Mojdeh, a Brent International School standout, dominated the women’s 16-17 100m butterfly event with a time of one minute and 4.27 seconds, beating France bets silver medalist Louise Buannic-Guirriec (1:04.57) and bronze medalist Clara Pagnon (1:05.72).

“We are very happy with the overall turnout of our campaign here in France. Last day was the hottest day since we came to France and this gave an extra edge to our team coming from a tropical country that is used to humid weather. Our swimmers really gave their best effort and managed to add more to the medal count of the team,” Philippines BEST-Swim League Philippines team manager Joan Mojdeh said.

For her part, Basa — an Immaculate Heart of Mary College-Parañaque student — saved the best for last as she claimed the gold medal in the women’s 14-15 100m butterfly in one minute and 11.13 seconds.

The 14-year-old Basa defeated silver medalist France Dania Oularbi (1:11.93) and bronze winner Diane Saisse (1:13.46) — both from host France.

“We will leave France in high spirits and medals for the Philippines.

I am proud to say that we have well represented our country here in Europe. Hopefully, we can go back next year,” Mojdeh added.

“They were amazed by how good our swimmers are. We are also in awe of how good French swimmers are. They gave our team a good fight and we are very happy to be exposed in such a competitive environment which is what our grassroots swimmers really needed.”

Not to be outdone was Batangas pride Hugh Antonio Parto, who took the second-place honors in the men’s 15-16 100m butterfly in 59.55 seconds in the tournament that drew more than 500 tankers including Olympians Jeremy Desplanches of Switzerland and Charlotte Bonnet of France.

Also earning podium finishes were Ivan Nicholas Radovan (men’s 17-18 100m butterfly, 58.11) and Yohan Mikhail Cabana (men’s 100m backstroke, 1:03.11), who collected one bronze each from their respective events.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to the entire Melun Swimming Community for such amazing accommodation they have shown to the entire team. To Coach Herve Piquee, Fadela El Barodi and Judith Communaudat. To Olympians Jeremy Desplanches and Charlotte Bonnet,” Mojdeh said.

“The amazing kindness you have shown to all of us makes us feel like we never left home. Thank you very much,” she said.