Kirklands qualify for the Olympics

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9: Jesse and Zander Kirkland are living the dream. The pair qualified for the 2012 London Olympics today at the 49er World Championships in Zadar, Croatia.

Even though the regatta is still ongoing, only five of the 12 countries vying for the last five Olympic spots made it into the Gold Fleet, guaranteeing them their Olympic berth.

The 49er Worlds website announced that Bermuda had qualified for London by virtue of them qualifying for the Gold Fleet.

Other countries in the Gold Fleet that are also punching their Olympic ticket are Canada, Italy, Greece and Japan.

The brothers started the day in 17th place but were able to move up to eighth through some brilliant sailing.

In today’s races they were second, third and seventh, giving them a net total of 44 through nine races.

Gold Fleet racing starts on Thursday and continues through Saturday.

The Kirkland brothers will join an equestrian show jumper — either Patrick Nesbitt or Jillian Terceira — on the Bermuda Olympic team.

Triathletes Flora Duffy and Tyler Butterfield are close to gaining their Olympic spots with the qualification period ending this month.