“X-rays yesterday showed fluid in his chest cavity”-Therapy dog during USA Gymnastics Olympic trials, Beacon admitted to hospital after health scare

USA Gymnastics' therapy dog, Beacon, has recently been admitted to an emergency pet hospital after experiencing symptoms that included stiffness, labored breathing, and fever. Beacon gained prominece during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials which took place at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Beacon, a golden retriever, is cared for by Tracey Callahan Molnar, a former rhythmic gymnastics coach with 40 years of experience with USA Gymnastics. He has not only helped the gymnasts manage their nerves during the 2024 Olympic trials but also given comfort to athletes and coaches by being a part of numerous tournaments and training camps since May 2023.

Molnar (via goldendogbeacon) took to her Instagram account to share Beacon being admitted to a pet hospital and mentioned how he didn’t react to anti-inflammatory medicines and cold laser therapy, stating:

“X-rays yesterday showed fluid in his chest cavity which was at least in part the reason for the labored breathing. The high fever was of great concern to his veterinarian. The recommendation was to transport him to an emergency hospital with specialists who could diagnose and begin to treat him.”

She also mentioned how her friends accompanied both Beacon and Molnar to the pet hospital, adding:

“My good friends who were kind to be at the vet visit yesterday (previous visit as well), accompanied me and beacon to the pet hospital and stayed with me until we could all speak with the emergency veterinarian to understand what might be going on and the plan of action. Some diagnostics have been done but more to go.”

She also requested Beacon's followers to send their well wishes during this challenging time. Following her update, USA Gymnastics posted on Instagram, urging their followers to share their best wishes for Beacon. Additionally, a GoFundMe link has been set up to help cover the costs of the therapy dog’s treatment.

USA Gymnastics’ athletes Hezly Rivera, Khoi Young, and others wish Beacon following admission in hospital

Hezly Rivera in action at the Paris Olympics 2024. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

After Tracey Callahan Molnar provided an update on Beacon’s health via Instagram, USA Gymnastics stars Hezly Rivera, Khoi Young, and Kaden Brown expressed their support and affection for the dog in the same post.

Hezly Rivera, who was a member of the USA women’s gymnastics gold-medal winning team, showed her love for Beacon, adding:

“We love you beacon ❤️❤️"

Screenshot of Hezly Rivera's comment on goldendogbeacon's Instagram post

Khoi Young, who is a three-time World Championships medalist, also conveyed his message of love, support, and hope.

“🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 hoping for the best, ” he commented.

Screenshot of Khoi Young's comment on goldendogbeacon's Instagram post

Trampoline gymnast Kaden Brown also voiced his support during this tough time. He added:

“stay strong beacon 🥺💙 we’re all thinking about you”

Screenshot of Kaden Brown's comment on goldendogbeacon's Instagram post

It is worth noting that although Beacon contributed to the well-being of many gymnasts during the Olympic trials, he and Molnar weren't able to travel to the Paris Olympics because of the logistics challenges.