U.S. national team forward Mallory Swanson timed her run perfectly, breaking away from Brazil’s back line just after the pass. She took two touches in the box, then placed the ball in the back corner of the net for the only goal in the gold-medal game Saturday morning.
She spread her arms like a pair of wings and flew into her teammates’ embraces.
At home in Chicago, her husband, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, jumped up from the couch in their basement, shouting and pumping his fist.
“Then right back into the same spot to not mess up the mojo,” he said Saturday afternoon in the visitors’ clubhouse at Guaranteed Rate Field, wearing a No. 9 Team USA jersey, just as he has on every match day during the Olympics.
It was the U.S. women’s team’s first gold medal since 2012, bringing hope for a renewed era of dominance led by a young generation of stars that includes Swanson.
Swanson, 28, scored a team-leading four goals during the Olympics — the second-most overall behind only France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto. The final against the Brazilians was Swanson’s 100th national-team appearance.
“Just so, so happy for her,” Dansby said. “It’s hard to really even put into words just how happy I am for her.”
Swanson’s Olympic performance is even more impressive considering her road to recovery during the last year. Last April, Swanson tore her left patellar tendon in a friendly against Ireland before that summer’s World Cup. She had three knee surgeries, including one for an infection in the joint.
“It’s just a testament to her growth and where she is in her life and how she’s been able to handle anything and everything thrown at her,” Dansby said. “From the ups and the downs and what feels like the mountaintops and what feels like the valleys. And for her to do it in such a graceful way is just a testament to her and what she believes in and how she goes about her life.”
Asked if he had considered asking for time off to support Mallory in Paris, Dansby said she told him not to.
“So I listened,” he said with a chuckle. “Obviously, I have a duty and responsibility here, as well. Doing my best to stay connected with her and everything that’s been going on.”
She called after the game when she found a moment to say hello.
“I just told her to go enjoy it,” Dansby said. “To not worry about me and go enjoy this incredible moment and just soak it all in.”
He expressed gratitude that Mallory’s parents and close friends were able to make the trip to France.
“And the support of people that have reached out is a testament to just how amazing a woman she is,” Dansby said. “And what an incredible, incredible accomplishment.”
