One of the most iconic examples of an athlete using music for motivation is Michael Phelps, the legendary Olympic swimmer. Known for his intense training routines and incredible focus, Phelps also had a unique pre-race ritual that involved listening to music to get himself in the zone and maintain his competitive edge. 

The Ritual

Before each race, as he waited by the pool deck, Phelps could be seen wearing his signature headphones, often bobbing his head to the beat of his music. This wasn’t just to block out the noise around him—it was a key part of his mental preparation. Phelps curated playlists specifically designed to get him in the right frame of mind, with each song chosen for its rhythm, intensity, and ability to fuel his confidence.

One of his go-to songs was “Till I Collapse” by Eminem, an intense track that mirrors the grit and relentlessness that Phelps embodied in his training. With lyrics like "’Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak," the song was a perfect match for the mental and physical exhaustion he endured in training and competition. For Phelps, music was a way to tap into the toughness he needed and to drown out any lingering doubts or nerves.

The Psychology Behind the Music

In addition to Eminem, Phelps included other powerful songs on his playlist—many of them hip-hop tracks with fast tempos and strong, motivational lyrics. The steady, intense beat kept him calm yet alert, and he used the beat to visualize his race down to the second. Each time he listened to the same songs before competing, he could mentally prepare, staying focused on his form, speed, and finish. This ritual became a familiar and reliable trigger for him to enter a “flow state” before each swim.

The Outcome

As we know, Michael Phelps went on to become the most decorated Olympian in history, with 23 Olympic gold medals. In interviews, he would often credit his preparation and mental strategies as much as his physical ability, acknowledging the crucial role that music played in his pre-race routine. His music became synonymous with his mental strength, acting as a personal soundtrack that fueled his confidence and set the tone for each performance.

Phelps' story is a powerful example of how music can be used not only as a tool for motivation but also to tap into mental resilience and focus, which are essential for success at the highest levels of competition.