America’s Olympic Athletes Rock to Pop, Hip-Hop to Prep for Games - East Idaho News
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America’s Olympic Athletes Rock to Pop, Hip-Hop to Prep for Games

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Getty 080312 ListeningToMusic?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1344011956556iStockphoto/Thinkstock(LONDON) — Olympic athletes must be focused and determined at all times as they perform under the intense pressure of the world’s eyes. So what kind of music helps motivate them?

From R&B and rap, to rock and pop, it’s different strokes for different folks. Rapper Jay-Z is the choice for basketball players, while runners seem to like Beyonce.

Gymnast Danell Layva has Drake and Lil Wayne, both rappers, on his playlist.  He told ABC News that the music helps calm him.

For many Olympians, blasting their favorite tunes is as much a part of the pre-game ritual as is slipping on their uniforms. Silver medalist diver Abby Johnson listens to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville,” while shooter Amanda Furrer likes Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.” Track champion Lolo Jones likes headbanger rock.

For one member of the U.S. rowing team, something a little different is in order. “It’s the Olympics. My playlist was leaning a little bit toward the USA,” said coxswain Zach Vlahos. His choice? Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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