Songs That Pump Up Team USA Olympians Before Competing

We all have music that makes us feel ready to take on anything and the athletes at the Summer Olympics in Paris are no exception. So, what are they listening to in their headphones to get in the zone before they compete? These are some of Team USA’s favorite warm up tracks that get them pumped before a big game, meet or match.

• “Defying Gravity” from ‘Wicked” - Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, Beach Volleyball. These two aren’t just a pair when they play, they’re also roommates in real life and they share a playlist and AirPods when they warm up. They listen to a variety of music and Nuss says her brother even wrote them a hype-up song just for the Olympics.
• “Baby” by Justin Bieber - Anna Hall, Heptathlon. On race day, the 23-year-old says she listens to this, “even though I look really serious and locked in, which is funny.”
• “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole - Jasmine Moore, Triple Jump and Long Jump - The track and field star won bronze in the triple jump over the weekend, the U.S.A’s first-ever medal in the event. She likes a mix of music from country to gospel, but says “J. Cole’s my guy. That’s my number one.”
• “Fireflies” by Owl City - Yared Nuguse, Track and Field. This electro-pop hit is “very calming” to the track athlete, who notes “I kind of want to be a little calm versus really amped up” on race day.
• “My Sacrifice” by Creed - Men’s Rowing Team. According to Nick Mead, this song “started out as a bit” for the team, before becoming an anthem for them. And it seems to be working, as they won their first men’s four gold medal since 1960 last week.
• “Pink Skies” by Zach Bryan - Ryan Held, Swimming. He says he prefers calmer music before competing and this has been a favorite recently.
• “Snooze” by SZA - CJ Nickolas, Taekwondo. When the 23-year-old athlete was delayed the last time he hit the ring, he says he listened to “Snooze” on repeat for 30 minutes straight.
• “Lose Yourself” by Eminem - Kelsey Bing, Field Hockey. She says there isn’t one song that pumps her up, she just listens to whatever matches the vibe of the day, from classic rock to country to Eminem.
• “Really Really” by Kevin Gates - Perry Baker, Rugby. This athlete may be the hip hop star’s biggest fan. “Any song by Kevin Gates,” Baker says. “Music just makes me feel good. It’s a certain song that helps you get in the zone. I put some Gates on, that’s time to go.”

Read the article at People