The Tarnovschi brothers have both taken the podium at the World Canoe Sprint Championships, but only on of them obtained qualification for next summer's Olympics. Oleg Tarnovschi won the silver medal in Milan, in the C1 500m event, but this not an Olympic event. However, Oleg is determined to go to Rio de Janeiro alongside his brother. “We have time to prepare during fall and winter. Together with my brother, we'll try to obtain Olympic qualification for doubles”, Oleg Tarnovschi told IPN.
Serghei Tarnovschi, who won a bronze medal in Milan, is the first Moldovan to qualify for the Olympic canoe sprint competition in 19 years. The 18 year old will compete in the 1000 m event. “My goal in Milan was to qualify for the finals, I didn't think I'd be on the podium”, said Tarnovschi.
The brothers' medals in Milan are Moldova's first at canoe sprint in 20 years. Oleg and Serghei Tarnovschi are Ukrainian-born and received Moldovan citizenship in 2013.
