The Athletes of the Week

World champions Liviu Dumitrescu and Victor Mihalachi

Florin Orban, 12.08.2014, 13:12

Romanian canoeists Liviu Dumitrescu and Victor Mihalachi are world champions again. At the Canoe Sprint World Championships in Moscow, the two Romanian canoeists reaped the title in Sunday’s canoe double 1000 m race, setting the pace from the start, being at least one canoe ahead of the silver medallist Hungary. Germany came in third.

On Saturday, Dumitrescu and Mihalachi had won the silver medal in the 500 m race.

For those exceptional results, Radio Romania International has designated the two canoeists Athletes of the Week.

Liviu Dumitrescu was born in Stefesti commune, Prahova County, southern Romania. He made a name for himself in the under 21 competitions and that is why, he started training with the seniors quite fast, obtaining exceptional results.

Victor Mihalachi was born in Floritoaia Veche commune, the Republic of Moldova, where he achieved the first performances in the under 21 competitions. In 2007, together with Hariton Ivanov, he became world champion in the under 21canoe double 500 m race. In 2009, he got Romanian citizenship.

Following their victory in Moscow, Dumitrescu and Mihalachi boast 6 medals at the World Championships, of which four gold, one silver and one bronze. Adding up are 10 medals at the European Championships, of which three gold, three silver and four bronze.