I've got a reggae playlist that I made that I listen to before competing. It's called "Reggae Sexin'" – Sean Paul, Popcaan, Tarrus Riley, Collie Buddz – nice summery, bouncy reggae tracks that give you a chilled-out sense.
You know you get those songs that really get you buzzing? There's no point hearing songs like that before a competition. Gymnastics is a very different sport to something like the 100m sprint, something that you need adrenaline for. If you try and use adrenaline in gymnastics, during an event like the pommel horse, you're bound to make a mistake. It's best to be calm, relaxed, really try and be as reserved as possible. That's why I listen to some reggae, baby!
I take my own music to competitions, with my headphones semi-on; one ear on and one ear off, so I can talk to my team and still jam away at my beats. I'd say it's a distraction – but a good distraction. In between turns on the pommel horse, or the rings, you're sat down and instead of thinking about the competition in Hungary or Spain or wherever you are, you're just having a good old time. You're jamming. It makes all the difference.
I've got a few songs I've written myself. I'm not some amazing singer, I don't do it to try and be famous, I'm not the next Ray Charles, I'm just Louis Smith, gymnast. There's one called I'm In Love With You, about being in love, waking up next to someone and still feeling butterflies – not ever getting bored of the same person. It's pretty good. There was one I wrote to get a reaction from my ex-girlfriend. And it worked a treat. One of the other songs is about trying to do well in gym – about having to stay focused, not being disrupted by people around you.
They're on my playlists but it's not something I play out to other people. I don't do it to get brownie points, I do it because I find it inspirational to listen to.
Louis is working with the Subway brand on its Train Hard. Eat Fresh campaign; see subway.co.uk
LOUIS'S PLAYLIST
■ Popcaan Ravin
■ Collie Buddz Too Watchy
■ Gyptian Serious Times
■ Chris Martin No Second Dance
■ Louis Smith I'm In Love With You
■ Jason Mraz I'm Yours
■ Lionel Ritchie All Night Long
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