The Soundtrack to the Paris Olympics: Warm-Up Songs That Get You Moving

As the excitement continue for the Paris Olympics 2024, one of the often-overlooked elements that adds to the atmosphere is music. The right soundtrack can elevate the excitement and hype surrounding the games, connecting athletes and fans alike as they prepare for competition.

The choice of warm-up songs has become a vital aspect of preparation, serving not only to energize athletes before their events but also to engage fans in the electric atmosphere of the Olympics.

The Power of Music in Sports

Music has long been recognized for its ability to boost performance and motivation. Many athletes rely on their personal playlists to get into the zone before competing. The right song can ignite an athlete’s spirit, enhance focus, and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members.

For the Paris Olympics, organizers curated a list of upbeat and energetic warm-up tracks that are sure to resonate with both participants and spectators. These songs aren’t just background noise; they carry significant cultural weight and help set the tone for the monumental event.

Music That Drives the Competitors: Athletes Share Their Pre-Competition Playlists

Rebecca McGowan, UK
As a dedicated taekwondo athlete, Rebecca McGowan incorporates music into her routine to enhance her performance. Before she delivers her signature roundhouse kick, the 24-year-old warms up to Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes,” a song that sets the tone for focus and determination. “It kind of gets me going and into my headspace to compete,” she explains. When the going gets tough, she turns to “High Hopes” to power through tough training sessions. For her walkout, McGowan chooses “Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “It’s just a really good beat. It gets me pumped up,” she adds.

Logan Edra, USA
At the forefront of the new breakdancing movement, Logan Edra, also known as B-Girl Logistx, draws inspiration from old-school hip-hop. The 21-year-old often plays Malcolm McLaren’s “World’s Famous,” a track that brings her back to the roots of breaking. “The music connects the generations,” she says, emphasizing how listening to this classic allows her to pay homage to those who paved the way in the dance community.

Bradly Sinden, UK
For taekwondo fighter Bradly Sinden, walking out to Kanye West’s “Stronger” transforms his mindset before competition. “It’s a fight song — a pump-up anthem,” the 25-year-old shares, recalling how the 2008 film “Never Back Down” made him fall in love with the track. Sinden, who represented Britain at the Tokyo Games and took home a silver medal, appreciates how the song puts him in the right mood. “Now it’s like ‘I’m ready to go in there and do my business,’” he says.

Veronica Fraley, USA
When discus thrower Veronica Fraley gears up for competition, she gravitates towards rap music to summon her inner fighter. “I listen to Future’s ‘March Madness’ to get the blood pumping and the anger going,” says the 24-year-old, who finds that the intensity of the music primes her for the challenges ahead. “It gets me in the zone,” she affirms, as she channels her energy into performance.

Fernando Dayán Jorge, Refugee Olympic Team
Canoeist Fernando Dayán Jorge, a two-time Olympian, relies on the powerful tune “Legendary” by Welshly Arms for motivation during practice. “I connect with this song,” he notes. Jorge, who previously competed as a Cuban athlete and now represents the refugee team, finds strength and encouragement in the lyrics, helping him prepare mentally for competition.

McKenzie Coan, USA
Paralympian gold medalist McKenzie Coan is an unabashed fan of Britney Spears, with “Circus” and “Womanizer” as her go-to pump-up songs. “Some songs can really amp me up before a race,” says the 28-year-old swimmer, who began her journey in aquatics due to a childhood diagnosis of brittle bone disease. Coan keeps a lively Spotify playlist filled with tracks that energize her just before diving into the pool.

Rachel Glenn, USA
Describing herself as the ultimate “hype girl,” Rachel Glenn prepares for her high jump and 400 hurdles by immersing herself in upbeat tracks. The 22-year-old enjoys a diverse mix of artists, from Snoop Dogg to Soulja Boy, and believes in the power of music to enhance her mental game. “If your mentality is right, then you’re going to compete right,” she explains.

Jaydin Blackwell, USA
For Paralympian sprinter Jaydin Blackwell, motivation often comes from powerful speeches rather than music. He finds inspiration in the motivational intro to Madden NFL 13, delivered by Ray Lewis, and looks up to ultramarathoner David Goggins. Blackwell admits, though, that he enjoys “mushy music” during warmups. “It’s really about getting into the right headspace,” he shares.

Daniel Roberts, USA
Hurdler Daniel Roberts gravitates towards nostalgic tunes, often selecting the soulful “Use to Be My Girl” by The O’Jays to get in the right mood for competition. “I don’t listen to music that’s going to get me hyped, but rather the music I enjoy,” he asserts. “If I like the music, it brings good energy and helps me find my rhythm.”

Cordell Tinch, USA
While hurdler Cordell Tinch doesn’t usually crank up music during warmups, he admits to jamming out to tracks that lift his spirits. Recently, DJ Khaled’s “God Did” resonated with him before he stepped on the track. “It could be different another day,” Tinch notes, reflecting his varied musical taste that even influences his workouts.

Samantha Bosco, USA
Competitive cyclist Samantha Bosco’s training is bolstered by the empowering vibes of Pink’s “I Am Here” and Macklemore’s “Chant.” “Those are my songs,” she declares. Born with a unique physical condition, Bosco has always relied on her love for biking since the age of six to overcome obstacles, and these uplifting tracks keep her motivated during the grind of training.

Incorporating music into their routines, these athletes reveal how their favorite songs help them enhance focus, generate energy, and connect with their inner strength before competing.