Paws On The Field: Support For Athletes
From rigorous training schedules to heated competitions, compassionate support for athletes is crucial. Beneficially, one of the most heartwarming and effective forms of support is the presence of therapy dogs. These adorable and loyal companions offer a unique blend of emotional and mental relief that can benefit athletes of all ages.
Emotional & Social Support
Sometimes all a person needs is someone to listen to them and, sometimes that someone can be an animal. Therapy dogs are known for being uplifting and comforting companions. They provide unconditional love and don’t pass judgment, which can help athletes deal with the emotional highs and lows of their sport. The simple presence of a therapy dog can induce a calming and nurturing environment, which can decrease anxiety and stress levels. Furthermore, petting a dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of relaxation and love. Whether it’s a young athlete dealing with the pressure of competition or a professional managing the demands of a high-profile career, therapy dogs help maintain emotional health.
Therapy Dogs for Olympians
USA Today reported that leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the United States Gymnastics team had support from a furry friend. This was Beacon, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever trained to provide comfort and emotional support. Beacon went viral on social media during the 2024 U.S. Olympic gymnastic trials after pictures and videos showed him playing and snuggling with the athletes. You can read more about Beacon’s therapy dog journey here.
Beacon could not travel to Paris with the team, but Beacon’s handler, Tracy Callahan Molnar, a former rhythmic gymnastics coach, has sent videos to the United States Gymnastics team supporting them from afar.
Photo Credit: Tracey Callahan Molnar, handler & main human of @goldendogbeacon Beacon, the Therapy Dog, poses in front of Team USA banner
The New York Times reported local therapy dog teams were also on site for the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Their presence made a splash at the event as the dogs helped calm nerves and reduce stress. The swimmer’s were so appreciative of their therapy dog friends that they recently decided to make one an honorary member of Team USA! Izzo is a ten-and-a-half-year-old lab-husky mix who has been a licensed therapy dog for eight years. Her comforting presence at the Olympic trials was her last event as she has been diagnosed with terminal bone cancer.
The Washington Post reported that Carson Foster, a member of Team USA’s Olympic Swim Team, felt motivated by the therapy dogs.
“Just seeing the dogs in here laying down … It’s one of the highlights of showing up to the pool every day,” said Foster.
Even Olympians can use a cuddle from a canine companion now and then! Clearly, therapy dogs and sports are a winning combination – and these initiatives prove it.
Photo Credit: Tracey Callahan Molnar, handler & main human of @goldendogbeacon Simone Biles poses with Beacon the Therapy Dog
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has been a public advocate for mental health support in professional gymnastics for several years now. CNN reports that Biles has described her weekly therapy as “kinda religious” and credits her return to the Olympics this year primarily to being “in a really good spot mentally.” Her recent wins at the 2024 Paris Olympics include a silver and three gold medals.
While Beacon the therapy dog isn’t solely responsible for Biles’s wins, he may have helped provide motivation and unconditional love to vault Biles into a successful athletic performance.
Therapy Dogs & Educational Institutions
Educational institutions are starting to support more therapy dog programs, including offering support for athletes. Student-athletes can feel tremendous pressure from peers, parents, fans, competitors, and scouts. Their confidence and worth can feel impacted by how well they perform in a sport. If therapy dogs can help students with exam stress, they can surely help with preparation before a big sporting event.
Mental Resilience
The mental demands of sports can take a toll; often leading to stress, fatigue, or even dropping out of the sport completely. Therapy dogs have a non-judgemental and soothing presence that helps athletes of all ages recover from setbacks and persevere when facing challenges and criticism.
Student and professional athletes alike may struggle with the challenges of a demanding work-life balance. For instance, student-athletes still have to maintain their academic performance while professional athletes may have family responsibilities or second jobs they need to attend to. Therapy dogs can help ease these worries and boost cheerfulness, even for a short moment.
Physical Prowess & Demand
As is expected in the competitive world of sports, athletes must pay close attention to their physical health. Therapy dogs can play a part in helping athletes maintain their physical prowess. By providing a calming and safe presence, therapy dogs can help lower cortisol levels in our bodies. This stress reduction can improve sleep quality, which is beneficial before any big competition. With less stress and better rest the human body is able to physically perform better when tested.
Therapy dogs can also be big motivators for athletes during practice or rehabilitation. Their wagging tails and lolling tongues can make exercises and physical therapy sessions more enjoyable. By integrating therapy dogs into their routines, athletes can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling approach to their training and competition.
Valuable Support For All Athletes
Regardless of age or experience, therapy dogs provide valuable support for athletes. Their ability to offer comfort and reduce stress makes them an asset for any athlete aiming for peak performance. So, the next time you see an athlete petting a therapy dog, know that their secret weapon for top performance might just be a furry friend with a knack for spreading smiles and joy.
Contact our ATD office if you’re interested in free therapy dog visits at an athletic venue or school near you. We would be happy to lend a paw!
