Wang Shun: Before and After

Olympic champion medley swimmer Wang Shun added another accomplishment in 2025, earning four gold medals at China’s National Games to bring his career total to a record 19. He cites music as a key part of his process. “Before competitions, I pump myself up by listening to songs with a strong rhythm,” he tells Apple Music. “And afterwards, I use more soothing songs to ease the tension so I can rest better.” He’s curated a Lunar New Year playlist with a mix of tracks suitable for both before and after events. Chill ballads from Jay Chou and Amber Kuo share space with inspirational anthems from Coldplay and Bibi Zhou—and fittingly, the Carrie Underwood–Ludacris collab “Champion”. Propulsive or laidback, his picks all share a strong sense of melody. “That was my main basis for selecting songs,” he says. “They need to hold my interest so I won’t get tired after listening to them over and over.” Wang observes a traditional holiday—family dinner and paying respects to elders are essential—but he looks forward to novelty in the Year of the Horse. “There are lots of things I want to do,” he says. “I want to travel and see things, to experience nature, to visit places I’ve never been before and have new experiences.” To listeners, the swimmer offers one simple wish: “I hope everyone does more sports. And through this playlist, I hope you all can use music to enjoy sports together.”