Egle uljas (est)
Olympian Artist – Music: Paris 2024
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.
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
Musical Evening 30 May 2024
Kelly Salchow MacArthur participated in the Paris edition of the Olympian Artists programme by leading creative workshops to create collages inspired by the Olympic values and photographs taken in their local neighborhood with at-risk children living in foster homes in the 10th and 19th districts of Paris in October 2023.
"We talked about Olympic values, which can truly provide life lessons and guidance in terms of the choices we make when faced with decisions. The values of self-confidence, resilience, determination, teamwork, self-actualization, fair play, and setting long-term goals can guide us in pursuing our strengths to the point of reaching our potential."
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.
meet the artists
Olympian Artists at Paris 2024
