Finding the right music to play ahead of an all-important race is, as British athlete Laviai Nielsen tells Apple Music, “a delicate balance.” You want it to amp you up, but not too much. “The right mix can really bring me into the necessary, positive headspace,” the sprinter says. “I tend to avoid overly upbeat music like electronic or dance, anything that makes me tense up. Race day is about connecting with yourself, slowing down your breath, and calming anxiety.” The songs here represent Nielsen’s happy medium, a selection that allows her to “protect and maintain her energy” as she gears up for a race. And you can see why these artists help her get into the zone: The tracks on her playlist come from some of music’s most successful names (think Beyoncé, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Missy Elliott), as well as some of UK music’s biggest stars, from RAYE to Little Simz, Charli xcx, and Fred again… “I lean towards R&B, soul, neo-soul, funk, and some pop,” she says. “I’m a lyrics girl. I always listen to the messages these artists wish to portray. Lyrics have a way of blending confidence and introspection, which is incredibly motivating for me. I think most people can relate to that feeling of putting on headphones and feeling like it’s just you and the world.” Whatever your next challenge, get inspired by Nielsen and her picks here—and read her thoughts on some of the songs that help her stay “locked in and focused” on race days. Little Simz, “Heart on Fire” “This track always gives me goosebumps and it’s down to the powerful message of the lyrics. The lyric ‘We all start off so pure/Do it for the love, nothin’ more’ strikes a chord with me every time. It takes me back to that little girl who dreamed so big, who started off in this sport with pure passion, but found a career in it. I play this to remind me why I do this; not just for the medals, the results, but because I’m so in lucky to be living my dream.” Jorja Smith, “On My Mind (Preditah VIP Mix)” “This one brings a balance of hype and rhythm. The steady, fun beat keeps me moving and energized, and the lyrics keep me feeling upbeat and positive. Listening to this also reminds me of home—it kind of feels like a soundtrack of London, the city that kick-started my passion and my career. It helps bring the focus back to me.” Kendrick Lamar, “Count Me Out” “This song’s message of resilience and its pulsating beat is unbeatable. It’s like a personal anthem to push through tough times and reminds me that even to reach where I am today, came with its challenges. It’s not so much to remind me of what I’ve been through, but rather, how strong I am. I usually play it in the warm-up area to fire myself up.” Little Simz, “Gorilla” “Another Little Simz banger! She’s my absolute favorite artist. This song is all about confidence for me. It’s about setting those goals and dreaming big dreams, and not being surprised when it finally comes together. It helps me visualize success and reminds me that I’m a strong powerful woman and this moment is mine.”