Footballer Michelle Agyemang of England brings her piano to the Euros, finding solace and tranquility in its melodies
In the high-pressure world of professional sports, finding moments of tranquility can be crucial. For Michelle Agyemang, a defender for Arsenal Women's Football Club and a member of England's national team, that moment of calm comes from the piano.
Agyemang, like several other athletes, has found solace in music, particularly gospel music, which has been a part of her upbringing. She is not just a fan, but a talented pianist in her own right. Her teammates have been treated to her musical skills, with Lottie Wubben-Moy being one of the fortunate recipients.
On game days, Agyemang spends about two hours playing the piano, using it as a calming ritual before she steps onto the pitch. This ritual has proven beneficial, as she scored in the 96th minute to save England's spot in the UEFA European Women's Championship.
Agyemang is not alone in her dual talent. Other athletes, such as tennis star Emma Raducanu and American swimmer Katie Ledecky, are also accomplished pianists. Dutch footballer Nathan Ake, who taught himself to play the piano during the Covid-19 pandemic, is another example.
Leah Williamson, another teammate of Agyemang, shares a similar passion for music. She taught herself to play the keyboard by ear and read music. The Lioness's kit man shipped Agyemang's piano to Basel for the UEFA European Women's Championship, ensuring that she could continue her pre-game routine.
While there are no widely recognized athletes who are also notable pianists, the world of music has produced many talented individuals. Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Scott Joplin are just a few examples of legendary pianists from jazz and classical music. However, these musicians did not have notable athletic pursuits.
In the end, Agyemang's piano brings a moment of musical calm in the high-pressure environment of elite sport. It's a testament to the power of music and its ability to provide comfort and focus in the most challenging of situations.
- Michelle Agyemang, a defender for Arsenal Women's Football Club, finds solace in music, particularly gospel music, which has been a part of her upbringing, and she is a talented pianist in her own right.
- Apart from her athletic abilities, Agyemang is not alone in her dual talent, as other athletes, such as tennis star Emma Raducanu and American swimmer Katie Ledecky, are also accomplished pianists.
- On game days, Agyemang spends about two hours playing the piano, using it as a calming ritual before she steps onto the pitch, showcasing the power of music and its ability to provide comfort and focus in the most challenging situations.
- The world of music has produced many talented individuals, with notable exceptions being Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Scott Joplin from jazz and classical music, who did not have significant athletic pursuits, unlike athletes turning to music for solace and focus.
