Defected are honoured to have some pretty big fans in the world of sport. From World Cup footballers to Paralympians, to the star of our latest fitness mix James Haskell’s Back Row Beats Volume 2, as it turns out, Defected’s catalogue is an ideal soundtrack for letting loose, training, motivating and getting in the zone. Jordan Pickford, England's #1 goalkeeper, chose 'Finally' in the Young Lions playlist, Jamie Roberts of the Welsh Rugby team joined us down at Defected Studio 338 earlier this year and the likes of Alex Hales (England Cricket), Rio Ferdinand (ex-England football) and Patrice Evra (France football) are all well-known lovers of the Defected sound. 

Read on to find out what gets these top athletes moving.

 

James Haskell

England rugby titan and DJ James Haskell is returning to Defected with the follow up to his debut fitness mix. James Haskell’s Back Row Beats Workout Volume 2 is packed with pumping beats and motivating tunes certified to get you fired up and moving.  

Of his favourite ever Defected track, he says “I have a few to be honest, ‘Sunshine People’ by Dario D’Attis, ‘Cola’ by CamelPhat & Elderbrook, ‘Lovelee Dae’ by Amine Edge & DANCE vs Blaze (Kevin Hedge). My favourite track from the album is ‘These Days’ by Qubiko & K-909. It’s super humbling to get another chance to work with such an amazing label as Defected. All I want to do when I finish playing is to DJ, so getting a chance to share some awesome music from the outstanding Defected stable is truly fantastic. I want people to be able to train to some music that’s going to motivate them, and make them want to work harder.”

 

Jordan Pickford

Before his heroics in Russia for England this summer, last summer when playing for the Young Lions, Jordan Pickord picked 'Finally' by Kings Of Tomorrow as his track in their playlist. Judging by the other choices, it seems like Jordan is definitely the rave starter in the camp...

 

Patrice Evra

Ex-Manchester United and France International, Patrice Evra announced his arrival at West Ham in a London Black Cab in February, with one of Defected's biggest ever records blasting out of the window... He loves this game!

 

Luther Burrell

The Northampton Saints and England rugby vet knows a lot about raising and maintaining his energy levels on and off the pitch, plus he's a longtime Defected fan, so for his favourite track he chose a upbeat pumper from 2009, Reboot's 'Enjoy Music'. 


Richard Whitehead MBE

The double Paralympic Gold Medallist, marathon record holder and athletic powerhouse tunes in to Defected to get in the zone. “House music is a chance to lose yourself, gather focus and momentum and run fast like a mofo. I listen to the Defected Radio Show whenever I’m training.” 


Jo Harten

The England Netball and Giants shooter and Gold Medallist uses Defected as an escape. “My favourite at the moment is Finn ‘Sometimes The Going Gets A Little Tough’. House music just gives you freedom to release and lose yourself, I love it.” 


Paul Redmond

The Irish mixed martial artist is also a DJ and appreciates the power of a Defected classic. Of his favourite track, he says: “Hard one to pick, and not one of the biggest Defected tracks but Warren Clarke featuring Kathy Brown ‘Over You (ATFC Club Mix)’ is right up there with one of the best. For me house music brings people together, you can be any shape, size, or personality and once the music’s playing nobody cares. I think Defected do that really well with their broad music taste and especially the way they incorporate Glitterbox parties too.” 


Gethin Jenkins

The Welsh rugby union player is a regular listener, depite the FOMO. “My all time favourite would have to be Kings Of Tomorrow ‘Finally’ – whenever I hear it I always wish I was at a beach in Ibiza somewhere with this on in the background. I love listening to Defected/house music and get envious of all the summer party videos with Sam Divine et al playing some great music, wishing I could have been there.” 


Harry Mallinder

Former captain of the World Rugby Under-20s and recently added to the squad for the 2018 Six Nations, Harry Mallinder may be a new house head but he's already discovering some gems. "My favourite Defected tune at the minute is the 'Pasilda' extended mix [by Melé & Shovell]. Gets me up dancing and smiling whenever I hear it. I’ve discovered house music  late and it was through Defected that I first got into it. Quite simply, it takes me to a happy place! Whether I’m dancing in my kitchen, driving or during training. I’m just loving discovering new songs particularly the Defected playlists."