Egle uljas (est)

Olympian Artist – Music: Paris 2024

Egle ULJAS - Musical Evening 30 May 2024 in Paris
Egle Uljas is a former Estonian sprinter who competed in the women's 400 metres at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, advancing to the semi-finals with the Estonian national record, which she still holds to this day.  
Egle ULJAS (EST), Tallinn, 10 Feb. 2013, © Tairo Lutter ÕHTULEHT

Uljas has performed internationally on both the running track and the music stage throughout her life. Her musical journey started at the age of four, when she entered Tallinn Music High School preparatory classes in Estonia, where she won several top awards at national music competitions.  


Uljas’ career progressed as a piano teacher at the International School of Music and Fine Arts in Prague. Continuing to seek new challenges as a runner, she qualified for the World Tower Running Championships while ranked second in the world in 2017. 


From 2020 to 2022, Uljas worked as a Sports Director at the UCF Wesley Foundation at Navarro College in Texas, USA. Since 2023, she has worked as a Track and Field/Cross-Country Assistant Coach at the University of Arizona, USA, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

ARTISTIC PROJECT

When Olympic Values Come to the Piano

Olympian and musician, Estonian sprinter Egle Uljas took up residency at the Paris regional music conservatory (CRR) during the week of 27 May 2024. She offered music students informal ‘workshop’ sessions in which she has discussed the theme of physical and mental preparation for high-level sporting and musical performances based on Olympic values. She  also gave a piano recital. 
Egle ULJAS - Workshop 27-30 May 2024 in Paris
Egle ULJAS - Musical Evening 30 May 2024 in Paris

Musical Evening 30 May 2024

An immersive evening with Olympian Egle Uljas, who shared her journey as a sprinter and pianist in a piano recital and conversation. Drawing on her experience in the fields of high performance sport and the arts, Uljas took the audience on an original visual and aural journey at the crossroads of Olympic values. During this exceptional evening, the piano music acted as a revelation of Olympism and echoes the images and personal testimonies of the athlete who continues to strive for excellence and harmony between body and mind. An encounter for all lovers of classical music, sport and Olympic anecdotes.

Questions and answers

What parallels do you see between the practice of sport and art?

There are many parallels between sports and music. These are preparation, the importance of practice, commitment, determination, the use of pre-performance routines (visualization, mental imagery, music), physiological regulation, motivation, goal-setting practices, focus, the experience of flow, and the importance of physical fitness.

How are both of these endeavors important to you?

Both- sports and music are equally important to me. Both are passions of mine that I continue to develop no matter what might come my way.

To you personally, what does being an Olympian mean – how does it define your approach to life and how you view yourself and the world?

Being an Olympian means always striving for the best of your capabilities, whether in your personal or professional life. But it also means enjoying the journey and celebrating small victories because, ultimately, we are striving for a balanced life—combining body, mind, and will.

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Olympian Artists at Paris 2024

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Olympian Artists

Olympian Artists are people who are both artists and Olympic athletes.