At the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, the atmosphere of a major swimming competition is palpable, characterized by the hustle and bustle of athletes. Swimmers rush between warm-up pools and changing areas, while their coaches, armed with clipboards, observe with concern. Eventually, they gather in the staging area behind the main competition pool, organized by heat groups.
However, amidst the pre-competition tension, there are three delightful distractions: Clover, Elton, and Evie, three retrievers representing Guide Dogs Queensland. Their presence poolside at the national championships may seem unusual, but it signifies a progressive step in athlete support aimed at enhancing performance.
Linley Frame, Swimming Australia’s national wellbeing and engagement manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative during an interview with ABC Sport. “Seeing the athletes, coaches, and staff interact with the dogs this morning was incredible; their stress visibly diminished, and smiles emerged,” she said. “In high-pressure environments, maintaining relaxation can lead to better performance outcomes.”
Having been a world champion swimmer and competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Frame understands the intensity of competitive swimming in Australia, where athletes often face immense pressure. Molly O’Callaghan, for instance, has shared how pre-race anxiety can feel overwhelming, a sentiment echoed by many competitors.
While the Australian Open championships may not carry the same stakes as the upcoming Commonwealth Games trials in Sydney, scheduled for June 8-13, they still evoke significant nerves among swimmers. That is where the therapy dogs come into play.
“Brief interactions with animals can increase oxytocin levels in the brain,” Frame noted in a prior discussion with Swimming Australia. “We aim to create an environment where athletes can escape the stress associated with competition.”
The concept of utilizing therapy dogs for athlete support is not entirely new. A golden retriever named Beacon gained attention for providing comfort to gymnasts during the 2024 US Olympic trials in Minneapolis, a program initiated by former gymnast Callahan Molnar after she recognized the positive impact of Beacon’s presence.
Frame was inspired by this idea. “I thought it was a brilliant concept,” she stated. “Animals have a unique ability to help people emotionally, especially for athletes under pressure.” Last year, when Shayna Jack became an ambassador for Guide Dogs Queensland, Frame witnessed firsthand how the presence of the dogs positively affected the demeanor of athletes and coaches at the pool.
Australia’s head coach, Rohan Taylor, supports the initiative, sharing his personal experience with his own dog, Billy. “Having a pet at home is comforting, and I believe anything that helps alleviate nerves is beneficial,” he said. “The introduction of support dogs is a wonderful addition.”
With the success of the program in Australia, there is hope to extend this initiative to the upcoming LA Olympics, with Taylor humorously suggesting that staff could be accredited to accompany the dogs.
The athletes have responded positively to the presence of their canine companions. Duke Shepherd, a 19-year-old competing in his first Australian Open, attributed his personal best in the 100m backstroke heats to a calming interaction with Clover before his race. “It really helped ease my nerves,” he remarked.
Shayna Jack also benefited from the dogs’ support; after a brief encounter with one before her 50m freestyle heat, she went on to secure the fastest qualifying time for the final. As poolside commentator Matt Thompson quipped, “She’ll want that dog by her side after that performance.”
Jack, who won gold in the women’s 50m freestyle, emphasized the significance of therapy dogs for mental health, stating, “These assistance dogs are trained to help individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, and PTSD. By promoting Guide Dogs Australia, we can highlight the positive impact these dogs have on many people’s lives.”
