RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Latest & Classic] Recommended Western Music BGM for Sports Day & Athletic Festivals [2026]

At school sports days and athletic meets, BGM is crucial—not only for boosting the overall atmosphere, but also for motivating the students.

In the past, the go-to choices tended to be classic pieces like “Orpheus in the Underworld,” but in recent years, popular Western tracks from platforms like TikTok have also been used.

In this article, we’ve put together a selection of stylish Western songs to liven up your sports day or athletic festival, aimed at teachers who are struggling with choosing BGM.

We’ll focus on tracks that reflect the latest trends, and in the latter half we’ll also introduce timeless classics, so be sure to use this as a reference.

[Latest & Classic] Recommended Western Music BGM for Sports Days & Athletic Festivals [2026] (81–90)

The MottoTiësto & Ava Max

Tiësto & Ava Max – The Motto (Official Music Video)
The MottoTiësto & Ava Max

Ava Max, a British singer-songwriter who is steadily gaining popularity in Japan.

Her bold, powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

“The Motto” is a track where Ava Max teams up with producer Tiësto.

The bassline and drum beat are particularly striking, aren’t they? Set against that kind of track, Ava’s vocals draw listeners in.

While it’s not a bright, upbeat song, it’s an incredibly catchy and cool one!

Don’t Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Tiësto & Karol G – Don’t Be Shy (Official Music Video)
Don't Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Singer Karol G, with her unforgettable, one-of-a-kind deep voice.

Her distinctive English pronunciation, shaped by her Colombian roots, creates a vibe only she can deliver.

Released in 2021, “Don’t Be Shy” is a collaboration with Tiësto, one of the top music producers in the industry.

The track incorporates strong Latin elements at the core of Karol G’s roots, resulting in an irresistibly catchy, high-energy song.

WaterTyla

Tyla – Water (Official Music Video)
WaterTyla

Tyla is a young songstress born in 2002 from Johannesburg, South Africa.

She’s known for a style that blends a variety of genres—pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano—paired with exceptional vocal ability and dynamic performances.

In 2019, at just 17, she released “Getting Late,” which drew significant attention, and in 2021 she signed with major label Epic Records.

Through strategic use of social media, she rapidly boosted her profile.

In particular, “Water,” released in July 2023, became explosively popular on TikTok and was used in over a million videos.

In November, a remix featuring Travis Scott and Marshmello was also released.

Her sound, sophisticated yet authentically African, is a key part of her appeal.

This work portrays, with sensuality and boldness, the feelings of a woman yearning for an intense night with her lover.

It’s a perfect track for a school sports festival soundtrack, where the thrill of competition and the excitement of youth intersect.

Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix)Van Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix) [Official Audio]
Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix)Van Halen

Van Halen’s classic “Jump.” This “Jump (Armin van Buuren Remix)” is a remix of Van Halen’s “Jump.” The original already had a strong electronic feel, but this track emphasizes the electronic elements even more.

Isn’t it a rare example of arranging a song into club music without compromising the original? It’s super up-tempo and bright, so it’s perfect for events like school sports days!

5 Seconds Of SummerYoungblood

At school sports festivals, in addition to competitions and cheering battles, each grade often puts on performances like group gymnastics and dance.

The themes vary, but especially in the upper grades, students deliver truly goosebump-inducing performances set to serious tracks.

A highly recommended song to use at such times is “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer.

With verses full of atmosphere and a chorus that radiates strength and raw energy, it’s an incredibly cool track!