3 Olympic Athletes Whose Musical Talents Are Gold Medal-Worthy

It goes without saying, but Olympians are some of the most skilled individuals in the world. From flying through the water to throwing a disc hundreds of feet, Olympian’s discipline and talent have gotten them to the world’s biggest stage.

Now, even though their lives are primarily dictated by their sport, it is hard to believe that their skills aren’t used for anything else. They’re not, of course. Many athletes who have been in the games have also performed other feats of greatness at impressive levels, including music. That being so, here are three Olympians whose musical talent rivals that of their athletic one.

1. Lilly King

Known as a two-time Gold Medalist and world-renowned breaststroker, Lilly King has cemented herself as a world-class Olympian. Currently competing at the 2024 Paris Games, King has once again entered mainstream media for her success. Though, folks don’t know her success goes beyond the pool.

Since the age of seven back home in Indiana, King has been playing classical piano. In a recent interview with Swimming World Magazine, she stated “I like playing. I think it’s a good stress reliever.” King has never taken her talents to the big stage, but she takes it rather seriously saying that piano lessons were “fair game for competition” in her younger years, per Swimming World Magazine.

Maybe when King stops racking up the medals she’ll grace fans with a show or two. But, for now, she’s going for gold and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

2. Jazmin Sawyer

Jazmin Sawyer, the English double Gold Medalist Long-Jumper, is not competing in the 2024 Games given a recent Achilles injury. Sawyer, whose illustrious athletic career has trickled into her music, has covered numerous artists and recorded the English anthem for the U.K.’s Commonwealth Games.

However, the premier marker of Sawyer’s musical career resides in her 2017 appearance on Britain’s The Voice. In a blind audition, Sawyer sang ‘Here’ by Alessia Cara, grabbing the attention of none other than Will.i.am. Sawyer went on to compete in numerous rounds but was eliminated in a sing-off against Hayley Eccles.

A competitor on the track and stage, Sawyer is just another example of how the skill set of Olympians transfers into fields other than athletics.

3. Shaun White

Shaun White has always been viewed as the type of Olympian who just makes it look easy. Outside of hitting the half-pip, the three-time Gold Medalist snowboarder carries this demeanor with him by playing guitar. White is the lead guitarist for Bad Things, an indie band active since 2012.

Since winning his first guitar in a snowboarding competition, White has kept music close to him. White and Bad Things has seen lots of success, as the band has released countless singles, performed at Lalapalooza, and released a self-titled album in 2014 with Warner. Records.

White is a full-fledged musician who achieved a vast amount of success not only because of his name but because the man has got talent!

(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)