What Do World Class Athletes Listen To

It won’t turn you into a superhero but some studies have proven that listening to music before or while exercising can increase performance. In fact, most of us already know what these scientists are trying to tell the world – music makes the world go round.

top athletes mosaic

Music can influence the body to have greater energy output, and also reduce the perception of feeling tired. When we are bored with doing the same things day in and day out (like at work or in class), music is what keeps us going while putting a beat under our feet.

If you idolize or admire these medal/trophy/award-toting athletes and are wondering what music or which artists they listen to, here’s what we found out. Perhaps this post can convince you to update your playlist to give you the same drive that power these world class athletes.

Michael Phelps

Phelps holds the record of most number of Olympic gold medals won by a single person. He broke 39 swimming world records, and currently still holds 7. Want to go against him in the water? Try swimming the 100-meter butterfly in 49.82 seconds.

He listens to:

  • Hip hop and rap music.
Michael Phelps

Cristiano Ronaldo

He plays for the football club Real Madrid and draws a 12 million Euros paycheck per year. Ronaldo is the first player to win four main Player of the Year (PFA) and Footballer of the Year (FWA) awards in 2007.

He listens to:

  • Sade,
  • Phil Collins,
  • George Michael,
  • Lil Jon,
  • Brazilian,
  • hip hop and romantic music.
Cristiano Ronaldo

Usain Bolt

Bolt has been called the ‘world’s fastest man’ had broken his own 100-meter sprint record at 9.58 seconds, and is the first man to hold and defend both 100m and 200m (19.19 seconds) world records.

He listens to:

  • Jamaican,
  • Bob Marley,
  • reggae, dancehall,
  • hip hop and pop.
Usain Bolt

Maria Sharapova

Sharapova beat top seed Serena Williams (age 23) at the age of 17 and has won 29 WTA singles titles in her career, including 4 Grand Slams. She had ranked world no. 1 in singles for a total of 21 weeks (non-consecutive).

She listens to:

  • Hot Chip,
  • Madonna,
  • Adele,
  • U2,
  • Florence and the Machine.
Maria Sharapova

LeBron James

One of five players who has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award 4 times, LeBron recently scored the Game 7 sealing point to win his 2nd NBA finals with Miami Heat. He also has 2 NBA Finals MVP.

He listens to:

  • Jay-Z,
  • Kanye,
  • Lil Wayne,
  • Wiz Khalifa,
  • Future,
  • Cash Out,
  • 2 Chainz.
Lebrone James

Gabby Douglas

At age 17, she was the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. And, she was the first American gymnast to win Gold in the individual and team competitions in the same Olympics (2012).

She listens to:

  • Katy Perry,
  • Lil Wayne,
  • Drake,
  • NatalieGrant,
  • Fred Hammond,
  • gospel and rap music.
Gabby Douglas

Tim Tebow

The first ever sophomore to win a Heisman Trophy. Has a lot of media attention for giving back to the community, being very religious and exceptionally talented. Jerseys with his name broke sales records.

He listens to:

  • Rascal Flatts,
  • Kenny Chesney
  • Eric Church,
  • Country and Christian music.
Tim Tebow

Derek Jeter

The first Yankee rookie to start as shortstop for the team since 1962, Jeter helped the Yankees win the 1996 World Series since their last championship in 1978.

He listens to:

  • John Legend,
  • Alicia Keys,
  • hip hop and R&B.
Derek Jeter

Novak Djokovic

The first Serbian to win a Grand Slam singles title, Djokovic was the only player to reach the Grand Slam finals 5 times consecutively, and the first man to win 3 Australia Open titles consecutively.

He listens to:

  • Hip hop,
  • R&B,
  • house and reggae.
Novak Djokovic

Jon Jones

Jones is the youngest UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter in history to win and defend a title and holds the longest winning streak in UFC Light Heavyweight history.

He listens to:

  • Angry Jonny – Poe,
  • God Gave Me Style – 50 Cent,
  • Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys,
  • Jammin – Bob Marley

(Choice of songs based on his fight entrance music.)

Jon Jones

Danica Patrick

First woman driver in American open wheel racing to win the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. Her 3rd placing in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 is the best finish by a female driver. She is also the first female NASCAR driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole.

She listens to:

  • Alanis Morissette,
  • I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar,
  • Norah Jones,
  • Queen,
  • Nelly
Danica Patrick

Lin Dan

First and only player to complete the "Super Grand Slam" by winning all nine major international badminton titles. The first male badminton singles player to defend and retain his Olympic Gold in 2012.

He listens to:

  • Until The End Of The World – Wands (Tattooed on his upper right arm.)
Lin Dan

Lewis Hamilton

Youngest ever driver to secure a contract for the McLaren driver development program at age 13. The contract paid off. Hamilton is the youngest world champion in Formula One history.

He listens to:

  • Chaka Demus & Pliers,
  • Bob Marley,
  • 50 Cent,
  • De La Soul,
  • hip hop and R&B.
Lewis Hamilton

Valentino Rossi

Rossi won the MotoGP World Championship 6 times. and is the first rider to win the premier-class title on four different types of motorcycles. He is also the youngest ever 125cc and 500cc World Champion at age 18 and 20, respectively.

He listens to:

  • Siamo Solo Noi – Vasco Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Nicol David

Nicol was the first squash player to win the World Junior title twice, and the Asian Squash Championship a whooping 8 times. She had an amazing 13-month long, 51-match winning streak in 2006.

She listens to:

  • Ordinary People – John Legend,
  • Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliot,
  • Waterfalls – TLC
Nicol David

Jeremy Lin

The man behind the global phenomenon ‘Linsanity’, Jeremy’s story of receiving no athletic scholarship to leading a win streak for the New York Knicks is an inspiration to many.

He listens to:

  • LeCrae,
  • Hillsongs,
  • gospel and Christian music.
Jeremy Lin

David Beckham

He made his first-team appearance for Manchester United at age 17 and went on to be the first English player to win league titles in 4 countries.

He listens to:

  • Jay-Z,
  • U2,
  • Eminem,
  • Bob Marley,
  • Justin Beiber,
  • Jonas Brothers,
  • Selena Gomez
David Beckham

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

44 wins, no losses in his profession boxing career as of 2nd July, 2013. A quintuple-champion in 5 different weight classes. Nuff’ said.

He listens to:

  • Lil Wayne,
  • Drake,
  • Future,
  • hip hop and R&B
Floyd Mayweather Jr

Ronda Rousey

Ronda was the youngest Judo competitor in the 2004 Olympic Games and the first US athlete to win 2 Junior World medals at age 19. She defeated all of her opponents by armbar submission in the first round.

She listens to:

  • Deadmau5,
  • Bad Reputation – Joan Jett
Ronda Rousey

Tony Hawk

The man who made skateboarding a ‘thing’, Hawk was the first skateboarder to land the "900", 2 and a half revolutions in mid-air. He has a video game series of 16 different titles.

He listens to:

  • Nine Inch Nails,
  • Metallica,
  • Dead Kennedys,
  • Modest Mouse,
  • Wolfmother
Tony Hawk

    

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