7 Songs Every Swimmer Should Listen to Before Meets

Photo Courtesy: Hayley Good

By Jacob Riley, Swimming World College Intern.

Every swimmer has their own preference of how to get themselves prepared for meets. Some already have their routine down to a tee. For those of you looking to find songs to prepare you to swim fast, look no further! Here are seven songs that every swimmer should listen to before a meet to help get the blood pumping.

1. “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas

This song would fall under the classic rock genre, and it deserves that title because it rocks. Kansas shreds on the guitar to inspire any swimmer to drop a best time the next time they hit the water. This is a personal favorite of mine to listen to right before warming up for my big race, to prepare myself to “carry on” and swim fast.

Photo Courtesy: USC Swimming/Facebook

2. “Sandstorm” by Darude

This classic piece of early 2000’s techno is a staple for swimming fast. Even though it has become a popular meme on the internet, this song is a definite must-listen-to in the minutes preceding your race. The tempo of the beat will help bolster your swim to the next level.

3. “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

A prime example of southern classic rock/country, this song is upbeat and the awesome guitar in the background can inspire even people who hate the country sound of music to pull out a fast swim. I would listen to this in the same timeframe as “Carry On My Wayward Son”, right before warmups while mentally preparing yourself to swim fast.

Photo Courtesy: Russ Kitching

4. “Stronger” by Kanye West

This rap song has the upbeat to make anyone want to drop a best time in the pool. Play this song about 10 minutes before swimming your race in order to get yourself focused and amped to put up a good time.

5. “Through the Fire and the Flames” by Dragonforce

This hard rock song is a classic pump-up song due to its crazy fast guitar shredding. As a sprinter, I am very partial to this song. I always listen to this one right before I’m about to swim to get my heart rate up and prepare to shred my swim like Dragonforce shreds the guitar.

Photo Courtesy: Kalina DiMarco

6. “Firework” by Katy Perry

Some of us need positive self-talk before swims, and if you’re one of those people, this song is for you! This hit pop song can make anyone feel like they’re good enough to do anything. Instead of “shooting across the sky” you will “shoot across the pool”. This song is a song you should listen to anywhere from one hour to one minute before your race. You won’t regret it.

7. “One Day More” from the musical Les Misérables

Now you’re probably thinking that I’m crazy, adding a musical number in here. But, hey, don’t knock it until you try it. I personally think tunes from musicals are a great way to get ready to swim. Something about the intricately put together beauty of each song gets me ready to swim, and I’m willing to bet that it can help you swim fast too!

I’m not guaranteeing you swim best times just by listening to these songs, but they can help you get into a successful state of mind. Music can help transport you to that magical mental place where fast swimming happens.

Commentary: All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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Danny Pawlaczyk

7 years ago

Completely lose credibility for that list.

Chris

7 years ago

@brianhochman_

-1

Mick Homan

7 years ago

You missed The Eye of the Tiger”

Josh

7 years ago

Reply to Mick Homan

Agreed

Al Dodson

7 years ago

What about One Moment In Time

Ward FFoley

7 years ago

Radar ove. One last car to pass here I go@.

Donielle Derington Underwood

7 years ago

Madison Underwood

Dave

7 years ago

I Go Swimming, Peter Gabriel

Denise Connolly

7 years ago

I recommend ALIVE by Krewella and YOUNG & SHAMELESS by PRTY H3RO.

Jordan Burton Jr.

7 years ago

My playlist. Script hall of fame. Eye of the tiger. Remember the name fort minor. 3 doors down kryptonite. And fallout boy imortales and centuries. And so much more