Meet Beacon, the Therapy Dog at the US Olympic Gymnastics Trials

• Beacon, the Golden Retrievers therapy dog, was on hand to offer support to anyone who needed it during the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials
  
• “I’m not proud of how I feel,” the pup’s owner, Tracey Callahan Molnar, said in an Instagram post about the dog’s performance at the event.
  
• USA Gymnastics tells PEOPLE they are working to get Beacon a chance to compete in the 2024 Olympics

The talented men and women of USA Gymnastics (USAG) had someone special on hand to support them during the recent US Gymnastics Olympic Trials ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Beacon, a four-year-old golden retriever, is USAG’s first therapy dog. He even received his own credentials for the trials. USAG hired him part-time to comfort gymnasts and staff. Beacon’s role was critical during the trials in Minneapolis, where gymnasts were competing for a spot on the U.S. team for the Paris Olympics.

Beacon, who holds the title of Team USAG’s “Goodest Boy,” attended the trials, which took place June 27-30, with his owner Tracey Callahan Molnar, who has had Beacon since he was a puppy, according to ESPN. The outlet said the pup was Molnar’s service animal before she had him certified as a therapy dog ​​by Pet Partners.

Callahan Molnar explained to ESPN how Beacon’s presence makes a difference: “Science shows that petting a dog or even watching someone pet a dog can reduce blood pressure and anxiety, help increase the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, and reduce cortisol levels.”

The former gymnast and coach added that, unsurprisingly, Beacon’s presence is highly valued at events like the trials.

“Everybody wants to say hello, and he wants to say hello to them. It takes 20 minutes to get there… not very far,” Callahan Molnar said.

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Beacon is so well-liked that a gymnast suggested he be promoted. “One of the gymnasts suggested that Beacon be named CHO,” Callahan Molnar told NEXSTAR. “That would be the Chief Happiness Officer. »

While American sports fans now know which gymnasts will represent America at the Paris Olympics, it’s unclear whether Beacon will join them in France.

“We are looking into the possibility that he could go to Paris. As you can imagine, it’s a little complicated,” a USAG representative said in a statement to PEOPLE.

The United States men’s gymnastics team was chosen following qualifying trials Saturday, with Fred Richard and Brody Malone leading the group. Meanwhile, the women’s competition concluded on Sunday with Simone Biles and Suni Lee among those who made the American team.

Callahan Molnar shared an emotional message on Beacon’s Instagram along with a montage of photos and videos at the end of the trials.

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“So many people feel right here. It’s a great privilege for Beacon and I to spend time with and support these incredible gymnasts and their coaches, each and every one of them. We have a front row seat to witness their commitment to excellence and their collaborative efforts to make it happen,” the message read.

“I am proud that USA Gymnastics brought animal-assisted therapy to the sport, and not just brought it, but truly embraced and supported it. My gratitude is overwhelming! And Beacon? Pride doesn’t even scratch the surface of how I feel. Whether or not these gymnasts made/are part of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team – this is TEAM USA and we are honored to be a part of it,” the post concluded.

For more on all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit TeamUSA.com and head to people.com for ongoing coverage before, during and after the Games. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.