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Olympics Speed Skater J.R. Celski Reveals What Music Gets Him Pumped to Compete

Two-time bronze medalist also reveals which Hollywood star he would crush on if he didn't have a girlfriend

By Natalie Finn Jan 31, 2014 2:54 AMTags
Watch: J.R. Celski's Warm Up Playlist

Olympian J.R. Celski has a girlfriend.

Which is why he was so adorably diplomatic when E! News' Catt Sadler asked the short-track speed skater who his celebrity crush is!

"Shoot, I respect a lot of actors," the 23-year-old from Monterey, Calif., grinned (and kinda blushed). "My favorite actress is Natalie Portman. I think she's awesome."

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

He's not alone in his convictions.

But right now, with the start of the Winter Games in Sochi just around the corner, the two-time bronze medalist is presumably focused on one thing: Gold.

Asked what sort of music gets him pumped before a race, J.R.'s answer was hip-hop, hip-hop and more hip-hop.

He loves old-school West Coast rap from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, as well as new beats from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, one of J.R.'s favorite artists.

"Also Seattle-area hip-hop, New York—there's a lot of people coming on the scene there," he added.

Sounds like we've got an expert on our hands! Not to mention, imagine all the time these athletes spend in the zone, usually with headphones on...It's important to pick just the right tunes.

J.R. also revealed to us that if Hollywood were to make a movie about his life, he'd want it to be animated—and he'd want to be played by Mowgli from The Jungle Book! The world-class athlete also said that he'd be down to have a reality show.

"I don't see myself doing that forever, but yeah, I'd try it," he same gamely.

While confidence is key, especially heading into the biggest global stage for sports there is, watch the clip to find out how J.R. takes himself down a peg when necessary!

And don't forget: E! will be broadcasting from Sochi starting Feb. 7