Estonian rowing legend Jaan Tults passes away

Early Monday morning, Jaan Tults, a long-serving director and coach in Estonian rowing, passed away. He was known for both his elegant leadership style and strong character, managing top athletes and coaches for decades.

The Estonian rowing world mourns the loss of one of its great figures — Jaan Tults, who passed away early Monday morning. He is remembered by athletes and coaches alike as an extraordinary leader who managed to hold together a complex and ego-driven sports family for decades.

The role of sports director is a test for even the most experienced person, but in rowing, where many boat clubs, different crews, and strong personalities come together, the job is particularly demanding. Tults was one of the few who could handle such an environment with elegance for years.

One of the most characteristic stories about his character comes from 2009, when Tults struck a military ticket at a table in Moscow's railway station and — as they say — things miraculously sorted themselves out. This anecdote has become symbolic of a man who could get things done even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Estonian rowing world remembers Jaan Tults as a man who left the sport with far more than just results — he left behind a culture of how to work with and lead people in elite sport. His passing is a loss to the entire Estonian sports family.