Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, like many Americans, took a break on Saturday to watch the U.S. women’s soccer team secure a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic gold medal match in France. His wife, Mallory Swanson, was a key player, scoring the match’s only goal to secure her first gold medal and finish the tournament with four goals in total.
Despite his strong desire to support his wife, Dansby Swanson was not in Paris. According to the Chicago Tribune, Mallory had specifically requested that he not ask the Cubs for time off to attend the games. Dansby respected her wishes and stayed with the Cubs, who were in a crucial phase of their season.
Dansby did speak with Mallory briefly after the gold medal win, expressing his pride and telling her to fully enjoy the moment. Meanwhile, another Chicago athlete, Bears safety Jonathan Owens, was granted permission to support his wife, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, in Paris. Biles won multiple medals, enhancing her record as the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history.
Dansby Swanson will reunite with Mallory when she returns to Chicago for the NWSL season with the Red Stars.