How Beacon, the Therapy Dog, Helped Members of the USA Gymnastics Team
A gorgeous golden retriever named Beacon was a beacon of light (excuse the pun) for gymnasts who competed in the Olympic trials the week of June 30 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
ESPN reported that the 4-year-old certified therapy dog, who is known as USA gymnastics' "Goodest Boy,” did his very best to calm some stressed-out athletes during the trials to see if they would compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Photo by Caleb Fisher on Unsplash
While speaking to the publication, his handler, Tracey Callahan Molnar, shared she believes her canine companion “did important work” while interacting with the gymnasts. She explained that her furry friend “picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately.”
“It was a rough night for some of the gymnasts, and I think Beacon helped celebrate the good stuff and be there and give support for the challenges,” said the former gymnast.
She clarified that she and Beacon only approach the athletes if they seem interested in him.
Beacon seemed to make quite a few friends at the trials. For instance, famed gymnast Suni Lee, who qualified for Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, shared several pictures taken on the first day of the trials, including an image that showed her spending time with Beacon, with her Instagram followers. The golden retriever even got a special shout-out in her caption.
“thank god for beacon day 1 of trials done, onto day 2. 🤍,” wrote Lee.
Not only was Beacon a source of comfort at the trials, but he showed that he also had some talent on the floor. CBS News posted a super cute video of the very good boy sharing his impressive moves while attempting to catch a tennis ball on the mat as his adoring fans watched on.