One will hardly come across a USA Gymnastics fan who doesn’t know about their friendly canine whose official staff credentials are, “Goodest Boy.” Yes, we’re talking about Beacon, the 4-year-old registered therapy dog, who was hired by USA Gym as a promise to bring instant joy to the team. But after months of difficulty and uncertainty regarding the golden retriever’s health, we finally have some needs that will surely bring relief to all.

Back in September 2024, Beacon was admitted to the hospital shortly after he started developing symptoms like stiffness, labored breathing, and a fever. When anti-inflammation medications were of no avail, his condition was bracketed concerning. However, after a week-long health scare, developed due to fluid accumulation in his chest, beloved Beacon was finally home.

Beacon did not return to service right after, but he has now! Yes, the latest update came in on January 23 via Inside Gymnastics’ Instagram handle that Beacon is back to service with Team USA. The post details that Beacon is returning after a long battle with histoplasmosis and he’s all ready to spread joy among the camp!

Despite Beacon’s owner Tracey Callahan Molnar sharing the update back in September that the biopsy results from his lung tissue showed no signs of cancer, there was no absolute clarity regarding his service return. Although his appetite was getting back on track and he was adopting a more playful behavior with his stuffies, USA Gymnastics was not sure if or when Beacon would be back.

Beacon’s comeback is special after all. He was the team’s service dog during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics in Minneapolis from June 27 to June 30. He joined 11 therapy dogs in providing comfort and support to approximately 30 elite gymnasts from America. No wonder he developed a great equation with the Team USA gymnasts who would now surely be elated at his return!

Beacon is the star of the USA Gymnastics show

Back when the Olympic trials were on, Beacon was truly the star of the show. After the Trials turned out to be rather dramatic, with three gymnasts – Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely, and Kayla DiCello being struck out of the race due to injuries, – Beacon dedicated 40 minutes to the team, making himself available to those who wished to pet him or just be around him. Talking about the dog, Shilese Jones said, “I feel like in a way, it blocks out reality. And sometimes that’s good for us, so we don’t overthink things. It distracts me from the reality of pain.”

Ever since Simone Biles has openly spoken about her “twisties“, the need to focus on athletes’ mental health is greater than ever. Since pet therapy is proven to reduce cortisol levels, Beacon’s comeback is terrific news! He could offer some respite when things get too overwhelming on the mat. No wonder, even the Tokyo Olympics all-around champion, Suni Lee posted a picture with him at the U.S. trials that read, “Thank god for Beacon.”

And now that Beacon’s back, we might soon see adorable snippets of Team USA gymnasts giving him belly rubs and de-stressing before the 2025 season events. Are you excited to see the same? Share your thoughts with us below!