What World-Class Athletes Listen to for Peak Performance?

Did you know that studies show listening to music can enhance your workout performance? It’s true! Music not only boosts your energy but also helps you feel less tired.

So, if you’re curious about the tunes that fuel world-class athletes, you’re in the right place. This post will reveal the playlists that inspire these champions to reach new heights.

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is a swimming legend, holding the record for the most Olympic gold medals won by a single person. He’s shattered 39 world records and still holds 7 of them. Think you can beat him? Try completing the 100-meter butterfly in just 49.82 seconds.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Hip-hop and rap music.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, a star player for Real Madrid, earns a staggering 12 million Euros per year. He’s also the first player to win four main Player of the Year (PFA) and Footballer of the Year (FWA) awards in 2007.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Sade,
• Phil Collins,
• George Michael,
• Lil Jon,
• Brazilian music,
• Hip-hop, and
• Romantic tunes.

Usain Bolt

Known as the ‘world’s fastest man,’ Usain Bolt broke his own 100-meter sprint record with a time of 9.58 seconds. He’s also the first man to both set and defend world records in the 100m and 200m sprints, the latter with a time of 19.19 seconds.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Jamaican music,
• Bob Marley,
• Reggae, dancehall,
• Hip-hop, and
• Pop music.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova made headlines when she defeated top-seeded Serena Williams at just 17 years old. She has since won 29 WTA singles titles, including four Grand Slams, and has been ranked world no. 1 in singles for a total of 21 non-consecutive weeks.

What’s on Her Playlist:

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

LeBron James

LeBron James is an NBA legend, one of only five players to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award four times. He recently clinched his second NBA finals win with the Miami Heat, sealing Game 7 and earning his second NBA Finals MVP.

What’s on His Playlist:

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

Gabby Douglas

At just 17 years old, Gabby Douglas made history as the first African-American gymnast to become the individual all-around Olympic champion. She also became the first American gymnast to win gold medals in both the individual and team competitions during the same Olympics in 2012.

What’s on Her Playlist:

• Katy Perry,
• Lil Wayne,
• Drake,
• Natalie Grant,
• Fred Hammond,
• Gospel, and
• Rap music.

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow gained fame as the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. Known for his philanthropy, strong religious beliefs, and exceptional talent, Tebow’s jerseys have set sales records.

What’s on His Playlist:

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

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter was the first Yankee rookie to start as shortstop since 1962. He played a key role in helping the Yankees win the 1996 World Series, their first championship since 1978.

What’s on His Playlist:

• John Legend,
• Alicia Keys,
• Hip-hop, and
• R&B.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is the first Serbian player to win a Grand Slam singles title. He’s also the only player to reach the Grand Slam finals five times in a row and the first man to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Hip-hop,
• R&B,
• House, and
• Reggae.

Jon Jones

Jon Jones holds the distinction of being the youngest fighter in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) history to win and successfully defend a title. He also boasts the longest winning streak in the UFC Light Heavyweight division.

What’s on His Playlist:

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

(These song choices are based on his fight entrance music.)

Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick made history as the first female driver in American open-wheel racing to win the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. Her third-place finish in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 is the best by a female driver. She’s also the first woman to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole.

What’s on Her Playlist:

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

Lin Dan

Lin Dan is the first and only badminton player to complete the “Super Grand Slam,” winning all nine major international titles. He also became the first male singles player to defend and retain his Olympic Gold in 2012.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Until The End Of The World – Wands (This is tattooed on his upper right arm.)

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton became the youngest driver to secure a contract with the McLaren driver development program at just 13 years old. This early investment paid off, as Hamilton is now the youngest world champion in Formula One history.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Chaka Demus & Pliers,
• Bob Marley,
• 50 Cent,
• De La Soul,
• Hip-hop, and
• R&B.

Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi is a six-time MotoGP World Champion and the first rider to win the premier-class title on four different types of motorcycles. He also holds the record for being the youngest 125cc and 500cc World Champion at ages 18 and 20, respectively.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Siamo Solo Noi – Vasco Rossi

Nicol David

Nicol David is the first squash player to win the World Junior title twice and has clinched the Asian Squash Championship an impressive eight times. She also had a remarkable 51-match winning streak that lasted for 13 months in 2006.

What’s on Her Playlist:

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

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin, the man behind the global phenomenon ‘Linsanity,’ went from receiving no athletic scholarships to leading a winning streak for the New York Knicks, inspiring many along the way.

What’s on His Playlist:

• LeCrae,
• Hillsongs,
• Gospel, and
• Christian music.

David Beckham

David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United at the age of 17. He later became the first English player to win league titles in four different countries.

What’s on His Playlist:

• Jay-Z,
• U2,
• Eminem,
• Bob Marley,
• Justin Bieber,
• Jonas Brothers,
• Selena Gomez

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. boasts an impressive record of 44 wins and zero losses as of July 2, 2013. He’s a quintuple-champion, holding titles in five different weight classes. Need we say more?

What’s on His Playlist:

• Lil Wayne,
• Drake,
• Future,
• Hip-hop, and
• R&B.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey was the youngest Judo competitor in the 2004 Olympic Games. She was also the first U.S. athlete to win two Junior World medals by the age of 19. Notably, she has defeated all her opponents with armbar submissions in the first round.

What’s on Her Playlist:

• Deadmau5,
• Bad Reputation – Joan Jett

Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk revolutionized skateboarding by becoming the first skateboarder to successfully land a “900,” which involves two and a half revolutions in mid-air. He also has a video game series featuring 16 different titles.

What’s on His Playlist:

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