He represented Russia at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, coming tenth, but missed the 2012 Summer Olympics as he was affected by an injury.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Tarabin's physical education was stressed from a young age by his father, who was a Moldovan military officer.

[2] Tarabin's first international appearance in the javelin came at the 2007 World Youth Championships in Athletics, where he competed in the qualifying round.

[3] The improved training conditions and financial support led him to transfer to compete for Russia internationally from June 2010 onwards (he already held dual-citizenship).

[4] His participation in Daegu also marked the development of his relationship with Mariya Abakumova, another Russian javelin specialist who won the gold medal in her event with a championship record.

[3] He injured his right shoulder while competing at the Golden Spike Ostrava meet and managed only fourth at the national championships, missing out on a place in the Russian Olympic team.

Away from competition, he flew constantly from Moscow to Krasnodar to see Abakumova and the pair decided to marry after the 2012 Summer Olympics.