At track and swim meets, competitors often need to get in the zone before their races. There are a lot of distractions and pressures at meets and the athletes often need to forget them in order to do well. To pump up, athletes often listen to music to separate themselves from the commotion around them and help them focus on their event.
Even though music is the common way to prepare for a race, the types of music vary widely from athlete to athlete. Some like to listen to relaxing music to calm their nerves, whereas others like a fast beat to help them feel more ready to compete.
Some don’t like to listen to music with words while others like certain songs because of their empowering message.
“[I] often [listen] to some electronic music with few lyrics so I can avoid focusing on anything but the beat,” said swim team member David Achio ’13. “Something like the Prodigy, Chemical Brothers or Groove Armada.”
Cynthia Amezcua ’14, a swimmer, likes “Yes” by LMFAO and “Drop the World” by Lil’ Wayne because of their messages.
“‘Yes’ because it is encouraging and helps me feel the satisfaction that will come after the race before the race. ‘Drop the World’ because it makes me feel strong and all-powerful,” she said.
Competitors also listen to different songs depending in the race they’re in next.
“I listen to Breaking Benjamin or Enrique Iglesias, or [Whiz Khalifa’s] ‘Black and Yellow’ for sprints because they have a fast beat, and ‘Carry Out’ by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland for 200 fly because of their tempo, and Eminem for 500,” said swimmer Claire Williams ’13.
But others’ pump up music tastes aren’t as tied down. Cy Mistry ’11, Captain of the Men’s Swim team, listens to a wide variety of music on race day.
“I usually listen to something with a fast-paced electronic beat,” he said. “Or Celine Dion.”
Take it from the best. Music has power.
Below is is a list of songs Grinnell athletes listen to in order to get pumped!
PUMP UP PLAYLIST
“Galvanize” – Chemical Brothers
“Firestarter” – The Prodigy
“Not Afraid” – Eminem
“Easy” – Groove Armada
“The Diary of Jane” – Breaking Benjamin
“Follow” – Breaking Benjamin
“Carry Out” – Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake
“Black and Yellow” – Wiz Khalifa
“Run This Town” – Jay Z Ft. Rihanna and Kanye West
“Genesis” – Justice
“It’s Raining Men” – Weather Girls
“Dirty Mind” – Prince
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” – Shakira (ft Freshlyground)
“Magic” – B.o.B. (feat. Rivers Cuomo)
“All of the Lights” – Kanye West
“S&M” – Rihanna
“F**K You” – Cee Lo Green
“Adrenaline” – Gavin Rossdale
“Remember the Name” – Fort Minor
“My Time” – Fabolous ft. Jeremih
“Becoming the Bull” – Atreyu
“Deine Schuld” – Die Ärzte
“B.O.B.” – Outkast
“Right Here, Right Now” – Fatboy Slim
“When They Come For Me” – Linkin Park
“Uprising” – Muse
“Champion (Remix)” – Brother Ali
“Truth Is” – Brother Ali
“Ridin’ Solo” – Jason Derulo
“Halo” – Beyonce
“Feed the Animals” (Album) – Girl Talk
