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Meet Beacon: The Therapy Dog Melting Hearts at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials

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Rithani

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4 min read

29 Jul, 2024

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At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in Minneapolis, a golden retriever named Beacon captured hearts and provided much-needed support to gymnasts from across the United States.


This four-year-old therapy dog from California stole the show with his big brown eyes and fluffy fur, offering comfort and stress relief to athletes competing from June 27 to June 30. Videos and photos of Beacon cuddling with gymnasts quickly went viral on social media, making him an internet sensation and the standout star of the event.



Beacon is owned by Tracey Callahan Molnar, a former rhythmic gymnastics coach, who adopted him as a puppy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of transporting him from Michigan to California, Molnar was determined to bring Beacon home. Her instinct proved right—Beacon naturally excelled in therapy work, displaying an innate ability to connect with people.


Image Source: USA Today


This charm led him to be a key figure in USA Gymnastics' innovative therapy dog program, which debuted in February 2023 under the guidance of Caroline Hunt, Vice President of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Program. Although initially met with skepticism, the program has been widely praised after athletes reported feeling calmer and more focused after interacting with the therapy dogs.


This summer, Beacon was among 16 therapy dogs participating in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of a larger initiative to support athletes' mental and physical well-being. While Beacon couldn’t accompany athletes to Paris due to logistical issues, his impact at the trials was undeniable.



Beyond his therapy work, Beacon has a quirky side—he enjoys cooling off in the refrigerator at home and loves swimming, whether at the beach, in the ocean, or in a pool. Despite not making it to the Olympics, Beacon remains a beloved figure, showcasing the power of therapy animals to bring comfort and companionship to those around them, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary athletes aren't human at all.


Click here to read about the Indian K9 team that is enhancing security at the Paris Olympics!

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