As they train and toil in foreign Beijing, Jamaica's athletes retain a little piece of home through their music.

Asafa the Lion

They say when the lion roars, the jungle trembles. And former World record holder, Asafa Powell, is warning his compatriots in the Men's 100m that his strength and speed will make him king of the Beijing jungle. 

He draws inspiration from Tarrus Riley’s powerful decree of strength and superiority in ‘Can’t Touch the Lion’, which is the most-played song on his I-Pod. Powell uses this hit single reggae tune to rev him on during training. The athlete, who has the most sub-10 times in the 100m, says he’s ready to unleash his full potential and win gold in Beijing. 

And it’s not only Asafa who is finding inspiration in music in Beijing. Most members of the Jamaican team have I-pods loaded with their songs of choice and no training session is complete without that little bit of musical oomph. The most popular artiste among Jamaican athletes competing at the 29th Olympic Games is Movado, who is also on Asafa’s playlist. The sprinter also enjoys listening to Aidonia, Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer. 

Movado A Clear Fave

While Movado seems like the hands-down winner in a poll of the I-Pods among Jamaican athletes, Vybz Kartel runs a close second. Bob Marley, Luciano, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrika and Etana are also popular. The athletes were delighted on Thursday when Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange visited the Olympic Village and presented them with individual copies of Etana’s new CD. 

While the number one song during training is Movado’s tribute to Jamaica’s athletes, many athletes stock up on inspiration during their rest time in their dorms, which are equipped with personal computers. World record holder Usain Bolt listens to anything dancehall while 4X100m runner Nesta Carter enjoys Movado and Busy Signal. Fellow 4X100 runner Dwight Thomas listens to Vubz Kartel, Rick Ross and Jay Z. 110m hurdles runner Maurice Wignall listens to Gnarls Barkley’s 'Smiling Faces' and Amy Winehouse’s 'You Know I’m No Good' and 'Tears Dry on Their Own'. 

Conscious Inspiration

Jamaica’s most decorated athlete, veteran 400m hurdler Danny McFarlane, is hooked on Luciano. “Luciano started it for me,” said McFarlane. “He has been a constant source of inspiration over the years. I am from St. Mary, so Capleton has always been a special artiste for me, and I listen to loads of Jah Cure, Etana and Queen Ifrika.” 

400 Metres runner Michael Blackwood tunes up to the conscious sounds of Bob Marley, Sizzla and Jah Cure, while team captain Maurice Smith says he has a wide taste in music, from Li'l Wayne and Jim Jones to Kartel, Movado and Bounty Killer, along with artistes from wider genres and styles. 

100m hurdler Vonette Dixon loves to dance and constantly listens to Elephant Man and Beenie man. “As Jamaicans we tend to have a natural rhythm and I guess that helps us on the track. It’s nice to warm up to music that you actually enjoy,” she said. Dixon is only participating her first Olympics meet, despite several World Championships appearances. “Over the years there was always something wrong when the Olympics came around. I am here this time to take something from Beijing. I’d love to be among the medals.” 

Speak In Faith

400m hurdler Isa Phillips tends to get a bit more cerebral and trains to the sound of his voice. “I deal with self affirmation. I record my own voice reassuring and motivating myself over some background music. I find that it works, not only for track and field, but also in my personal life,” said the lanky LSU graduate who has also made forays into the world of business.