Team USA gymnastics has introduced a unique and indispensable member to their squad: Beacon, a 4-year-old golden retriever. Serving as the team’s therapy dog, Beacon has been a steadfast companion to Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera during the stressful Paris Olympics trials. Despite not traveling to Paris due to logistical challenges, Beacon’s impact on the team has been profound.
Beacon’s role and importance
Beacon is celebrated as the best therapy dog in the history of the USA gymnastics team. “He senses people’s stress and knows how to soothe them,” said his owner Tracey Callahan Molnar to USA Today. During the Paris Olympics trials, Beacon provided vital support for the team’s mental well-being, sometimes working up to 15 hours a day, always ready to comfort the athletes.
Molnar, a former gymnast herself, recognized the therapeutic potential of her pet and noticed which team members needed his affection the most. She understood that while not everyone might find a dog’s presence soothing, those who did found great comfort in Beacon.
“I watch the women and if they’re animated when they see him, I’ll walk toward them.”
Beacon’s intuitive nature allows him to respond to stressed team members even without being called by name. “He will turn on a dime without seeing who it is. He picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately.” She explained how the furball helped team members, “They absorb the stress of the people they’re relieving the stress off of. So even though he might be lying still for two hours, he’s wiped out afterwards.”Molnar explained. His contribution has not gone unnoticed, with one gymnast suggesting Beacon be promoted to Chief Happiness Officer (CHO).
Simone Biles on Beacon’s influence
Gold medalist Simone Biles also expressed her appreciation for Beacon. “Even this morning at 7 a.m., I saw my therapist, and there’s a time change, so she is so amazing for allowing me to do that these couple of days here in Paris,” after her all-round win. She added, “So just making sure I’m mentally well. I think you see that on the competition floor”.
A study by the University of Washington found that petting an animal for ten minutes can help reduce cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, and improve focus. Molnar emphasized the benefits of therapy pets, stating, “Petting a dog or even watching someone pet a dog can lower blood pressure and anxiety, help increase the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, and lower cortisol levels. We all need a certain amount [of cortisol]. But too much isn’t healthy.”
Popularity and legacy
Beacon’s influence extends beyond the gymnastics team. Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at USA Gymnastics, Jill Geer, noted, “Beacon is not the only dog. There are several other dogs, but Beacon is 100% the star of the show. He is literally the Beacon of this program. I joke that Beacon needs an agent because there are more requests for Beacon than just about any other athlete out there.”
Beacon’s role as a therapy dog has proven to be a cornerstone of Team USA Gymnastics’ success, providing emotional and mental support during one of the most intense periods of their careers. His presence highlights the growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in sports, and his story serves as a testament to the profound impact therapy animals can have on athletes.