What Pump-Up Songs Get Olympic Athletes Going?
Updated: Mar. 07, 2022Need a kick in the shorts? Team USA Winter Olympians explain how they get pumped to perform.
Eddy Alvarez
Pump-up ritual: “I usually put on my left skate first.”
Pump-up song: “Animals” by Martin Garrix
Eddy is a speedskater heading to his first Olympics. He grew up in Miami, Florida.
Noelle Pikus-Pace
Pump-up ritual: “My family is my good luck charm. We travel the world together and they help me to do my best.”
Pump-up song: “All this Time” by One Republic
Noelle is a Team Kellogg’s 2014 Olympic hopeful (skeleton race) and mother of two. She was born in Provo, Utah.
Rico Roman
Pump-up ritual: “(Teammate) Josh Sweeney and I have a hand shake high five thing we do before every game, and it always gets me in a good mood.”
Pump-up song: “Sometimes might be rap or hip-hop, other times bachata or salsa. Whatever I’m in the mood for.”
Rico is a sled hockey Paralympian, U.S. Army veteran, and father of two. His hometown is Portland, Oregon.
Steven Holcomb
Pump-up ritual: “I have a Superman shirt that is a must-wear on race day. I have won every race that I’ve worn that shirt in.”
Pump-up song: “I don’t listen to music before I bobsled. As a driver, I need to remain calm and collected. Plus, each track has its own rhythm, and I need to be in tune with that.”
Steven is a bobsled driver and gold medal-winner in the 4-man bobsled (2010). He was born in Park City, Utah.
