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PLAYLIST: A musical guide to each Paris Olympics sport, from archery to wrestling

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PLAYLIST: A musical guide to each Paris Olympics sport, from archery to wrestling
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PLAYLIST: A musical guide to each Paris Olympics sport, from archery to wrestling

2024-07-28 17:08 Last Updated At:17:10

From the operatic opening ceremony to athletes' warmup songs, music is intrinsic to the Paris Olympics now underway.

Athletes from around the world are competing in dozens of disciplines among 32 sports. For those watching at home: Do you know what you're going listening to during commercial breaks, while making snacks, or to distract you in moments where your favorite isn't doing that hot? We've got you, with a cheeky musical guide to each sport — some picks more literal than others.

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Regis Scott, a polyclinic medical team member, sits in the Olympic rings in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Regis Scott, a polyclinic medical team member, sits in the Olympic rings in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Colombian singer Shakira performs at halftime of the Copa America final soccer match between Argentina and Colombia in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Colombian singer Shakira performs at halftime of the Copa America final soccer match between Argentina and Colombia in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A taxi passes an Olympic lane on a street near Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A taxi passes an Olympic lane on a street near Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Eiffel Tower is seen behind a Paris Olympics canvas, from the Trocadero plaza Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

The Eiffel Tower is seen behind a Paris Olympics canvas, from the Trocadero plaza Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Olympic volunteer Manuella Mallam has her photo taken with the Olympic rings outside Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Olympic volunteer Manuella Mallam has her photo taken with the Olympic rings outside Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Members of a firefighter brigade band cross the street to perform at a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Members of a firefighter brigade band cross the street to perform at a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Listen to the full playlist on Spotify here.

While this cut from “Lover” was in her Eras Tour set, Swift executed some apt choreography, pulling back an invisible arrow and making this the obvious choice for the bow-wielding sport.

In the pantheon of aspirational songs that mention or center on running, none has had the resurgence of this gothic '80s tune.

There is something subtly dignified about badminton. It is a classic-feeling racquet sport, and it requires a similarly first-rate song, like this French pop hit.

The hip-hop all-star collaboration “Forever” was on the soundtrack to LeBron James 's 2008 “More Than a Game” documentary, making it the perfect basketball track. James has been selected as Team USA's male flagbearer this year, making it all the more appropriate.

Arguably the greatest moment of lyrical songwriting on this list, this 1969 classic partially about, yes, a boxer is a narrative masterpiece.

Some music is inextricable from movement. This future-seeking record, all early-electronica and robot-rap, is perfect for the Olympics' newest sport.

The indie band was a participant in the once popular “chillwave,” a subgenre that sounded like, well, drifting in water.

Heavy breathing that bleeds into minimalistic electronica from the progenitors themselves — if that doesn't make you want to grab a bicycle, nothing will.

Perhaps the word “dressage” isn't the first one that comes to mind when this banger by the late Keith and the great Nelson plays, but “horses” certainly does.

Many sports are depicted in the K-pop girl group's music video, among them fencing. That should be enough cause for celebration.

Written for the other kind of hockey, this country classic has a malleable warmth to it that works just fine for summer.

“Puntería” was the official theme of TelevisaUnivision’s broadcast of the recently concluded 2024 Copa América; there's no reason it doesn't work for the Olympics, too. Surely Argentina fans would agree.

You could opt for the Tom Jones cover, or the original Johnny Darrell, but nothing beats Wagoner's ode to the green.

At the U.S. Classic earlier this year, Simone Biles debuted the routine she may bring to the Olympics, which ends with “Delresto (Echoes).”

This instantly recognizable postwar ballad is all about moving forward unapologetically. In the case of handball at the Olympics, a sport that has been lately dominated by France, this song takes on a different meaning. Don't look at those past accomplishments; push forward to the next.

It might not be particularly imaginative, but nothing says “combat sport" quite like “Ain't No Problems” from Waka Flocka Flame, Young Thug and Judo. Get it?

The modern pentathlon semifinals and finals will take place at the Palace of Versailles this year, inspiring this pick from the Swedish power metal band.

The entire music video centers on rowing, which makes this reunion-era cut from the beloved British boy band perfect for the watersport.

In 1973, the Welsh singer and comedian wrote this song to celebrate Wales' victory over England. It's since become a rugby classic.

Sailing is a vintage sport, and no voice takes a listener back to a certain time than Holiday's swinging tone. Across this 1937 song, Holiday is in full force, weaving interesting phrasing and tempos.

In film, shooting is often depicted by athletes getting low on the ground to shoot — see what we did there? The reality is a bit more complicated, but the sentiment still stands.

Skateboarding is a fairly new sport to the Olympics, first introduced at the Tokyo Olympics. No song better encapsulates the youthful spirit of skateboarding culture quite like Lupe Fiasco's “Kick, Push.”

Back in her “Hannah Montana” days, Miley Cyrus released this barn-burning, country-pop power ballad about perseverance. It is almost too fitting.

The competition may be in Tahiti, but there was no other choice.

Before becoming a celebrated voice in Latin trap and reggaetón, Carrión was a competitive swimmer, even representing his native Puerto Rico at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.

The visual for this one-time K-pop bop shows the girl group getting very serious about table tennis. The song has all the ebullience of the sport, too.

With the Olympics taking on special significance for the athletes representing the Palestinian territories this year, the energetic techno track from one of the most exciting Palestinian DJs goes to taekwondo, in honor of competitor Omar Ismail. Ismail is the lone Palestinian athlete to qualify in his own right for the Games, although others got in through a wild-card system.

In lieu of listening to the entire “Challengers” score in one sitting, Lorde's “Tennis Court” should scratch the itch.

When all else fails, this bombastic rock hit delivers. The band wrote the song's chord changes to mirror punches in “Rocky III.” That might make it seem better suited for boxing, but truth be told, this classic works even better for triathlon. The song is all about endurance — just like the sport.

Three years ago, N'Gapeth helped France win gold at the Tokyo Olympics. He's competing once again this year, and also happens to be a very talented rapper.

There is nothing people who lift weights love more than Eminem. Except maybe lifting weights.

The fittingly named London indie rock band of yesteryear were once masters at articulating the scars of youth. And adolescence often feels like an internal wrestling match.

For more coverage of the 2024 Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games.

Regis Scott, a polyclinic medical team member, sits in the Olympic rings in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Regis Scott, a polyclinic medical team member, sits in the Olympic rings in the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Colombian singer Shakira performs at halftime of the Copa America final soccer match between Argentina and Colombia in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Colombian singer Shakira performs at halftime of the Copa America final soccer match between Argentina and Colombia in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A taxi passes an Olympic lane on a street near Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A taxi passes an Olympic lane on a street near Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Eiffel Tower is seen behind a Paris Olympics canvas, from the Trocadero plaza Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

The Eiffel Tower is seen behind a Paris Olympics canvas, from the Trocadero plaza Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Olympic volunteer Manuella Mallam has her photo taken with the Olympic rings outside Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Olympic volunteer Manuella Mallam has her photo taken with the Olympic rings outside Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Members of a firefighter brigade band cross the street to perform at a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Members of a firefighter brigade band cross the street to perform at a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate quickly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state Monday, voting unanimously to give President Donald Trump the first member of his new Cabinet on Inauguration Day.

Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, is among the least controversial of Trump’s nominees and vote was decisive, 99-0. Another pick, John Ratcliffe for CIA director, is also expected to have a swift vote, as soon as Tuesday. Action on others, including former combat veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, is possible later in the week.

“Marco Rubio is a very intelligent man with a remarkable understanding of American foreign policy,” Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the senior-most Republican, said as the chamber opened.

It’s often tradition for the Senate to convene immediately after the ceremonial pomp of the inauguration to begin putting the new president’s team in place, particularly the national security officials. During Trump’s first term, the Senate swiftly confirmed his defense and homeland security secretaries on day one, and President Joe Biden’s choice for director of national intelligence was confirmed on his own Inauguration Day.

With Trump’s return to the White House, and his Republican Party controlling majorities in Congress, his outsider Cabinet choices are more clearly falling into place, despite initial skepticism and opposition from both sides of the aisle.

Rubio, who was surrounded by colleagues in the Senate chamber, said afterward he feels “good, but there’s a lot of work ahead.”

“It’s an important job in an important time, and I’m honored by it,” Rubio said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune moved quickly Monday, announcing he expected voting to begin “imminently” on Trump’s nominees.

Democrats have calculated it's better for them to be seen as more willing to work with Trump, rather than simply mounting a blockade to his nominees. They're holding their opposition for some of his other picks who have less support, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said his party will “neither rubber-stamp nominees we feel are grossly unqualified, nor oppose nominees that deserve serious consideration.”

Rubio, he said, is an example of "a qualified nominee we think should be confirmed quickly."

Senate committees have been holding lengthy confirmation hearings on more than a dozen of the Cabinet nominees, with more to come this week. And several panels are expected to meet late Monday to begin voting to advance the nominees to the full Senate for confirmation.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously advanced Rubio's nomination late Monday. The Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Intelligence Committee, respectively, voted to move the nominations of Hegseth and Ratcliffe. And the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee advanced nominees Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary and Russell Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget, but with opposition.

Rubio, a well-liked senator and former Trump rival during the 2016 presidential race, has drawn closer to the president in recent years. He appeared last week to answer questions before the Foreign Relations Committee, where he has spent more than a decade as a member.

As secretary of state, Rubio would be the nation’s top diplomat, and the first Latino to hold the position. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrants, he has long been involved in foreign affairs, particularly in South America, and has emerged as a hawk on China’s rise.

During his confirmation hearing last week, Rubio warned of the consequences of America’s “unbalanced relationship” with China. While he echoes Trump’s anti-globalist rhetoric, Rubio is also seen as an internationalist who understands the power of U.S. involvement on the global stage.

Rubio cultivated bipartisan support from across the aisle, both Republicans and Democrats. He takes over for outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has said he hopes the Trump administration continues Biden's policies in the Middle East to end the war in Gaza and to help Ukraine counter Russian nomination.

The Senate is split 53-47, but the resignation of Vice President JD Vance and, soon, Rubio drops the GOP majority further until their successors arrive. Republicans need almost all every party member in line to overcome Democratic opposition to nominees.

Objection from any one senator, as is expected with Hegseth and several other choices, would force the Senate into procedural steps that would drag voting later into the week.

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, pose for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. First row from left, Elise Stefanik, John Ratcliffe, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Howard Lutnick, Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, Brooke L. Rollins, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; second row from left, Scott Turner, Tulsi Gabbard, Sean Duffy, Linda McMahon, Lee Zeldin, Kristi Noem, Chris Wright, Doug Collins, Kelly Loeffler and Scott Bessent; and third row from left, Stephen Miran, Jamieson Greer, Kevin Hassett, Kash Patel and Russell Vought. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, pose for a photo at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. First row from left, Elise Stefanik, John Ratcliffe, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Howard Lutnick, Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgum, Brooke L. Rollins, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; second row from left, Scott Turner, Tulsi Gabbard, Sean Duffy, Linda McMahon, Lee Zeldin, Kristi Noem, Chris Wright, Doug Collins, Kelly Loeffler and Scott Bessent; and third row from left, Stephen Miran, Jamieson Greer, Kevin Hassett, Kash Patel and Russell Vought. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a nominee for Secretary of State, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a nominee for Secretary of State, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

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