As the US women’s gymnastics team soared to new heights at the Paris Olympics, an unexpected hero quietly wagged his tail in the background. Beacon, a four-year-old Golden Retriever, has become a beloved member of the team, providing emotional support during one of the most intense periods of their careers. His job? To help keep these world-class athletes calm and focused, one comforting nuzzle at a time.
How Beacon Became Part Of The Team
Beacon isn’t just any dog; he’s a vital part of the US gymnastics team’s mental health strategy. Over the past year, this fluffy employee has been a calming presence for stars like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles. During the high-pressure US Olympic trials in Minneapolis, Beacon and a few other therapy dogs were on hand to soothe the athletes’ nerves, including those who didn’t make it to Paris.
Simone Biles and her teammates went on to win eight medals at the Olympics, but Beacon’s influence was felt long before they even set foot in Paris. His warm, reassuring presence helped the gymnasts manage the immense stress that comes with being on the world stage.
A Much-Needed Support System
Beacon’s role is part of a broader mental health program that USA Gymnastics has rolled out in response to the sport’s troubled past. Following the devastating Larry Nassar scandal and Simon Biles’s brave decision to prioritize her mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, the organization realized that these athletes needed more than just physical training. They needed emotional support, too.
That’s where Beacon comes in. With his soulful eyes and gentle demeanor, he has an uncanny ability to sense when someone is feeling anxious or overwhelmed. “He picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately,” says his handler, Tracey Callahan Molnar, a former rhythmic gymnastics coach.
Beacon’s Growing Fame
Beacon isn’t just a hit with the gymnasts; he’s also winning over fans on social media. Suni Lee, who has faced her own challenges leading up to Paris, posted a picture of herself cuddling Beacon with the caption, “Thank god for Beacon.” That post alone helped skyrocket him to fame, with the Instagram account WeRateDogs giving him a well-deserved 14/10 rating.
As the team continues to celebrate their victories, Beacon’s contributions are a reminder of how important mental health and emotional support are for athletes. He might be small and low to the ground, but Beacon’s impact on these gymnasts’ lives is anything but.
Resources:
Cleveland Clinic: Mental Health in Athletes: Breaking the Stigma
AKC: Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals
USA Gymnastics
References:
@goldendogbeacon on Instagram
The Guardian: The unsung hero of the Olympic-champion US women’s gymnastics team is a very good boy
AKC: ‘Beacon’ the Golden Retriever Is the First Therapy Dog for U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team
ESPN: A day in the life of Beacon, the therapy dog at U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials