Team USA’s Mallory Swanson was overwhelmed with emotion after securing the gold medal for her team in the 2024 Paris Olympics soccer final against Brazil.
Swanson netted the decisive goal in the 57th minute, a moment made all the more poignant by her heartbreaking injury just a year earlier, which forced her to miss the 2023 World Cup.
This victory marks the first time in 12 years that the U.S. women’s soccer team has stood atop the Olympic podium.
Swanson’s goal, a perfectly placed shot into the bottom corner after a pass from Korbin Albert, combined with Alyssa Naeher’s stellar goalkeeping, was crucial in clinching the win.
Her triumphant moment came after a difficult year, during which she suffered a torn patella tendon just months before the World Cup, an injury that sidelined her from the tournament where Team USA exited in the Round of 16.
As the final whistle blew, Team USA erupted in celebration at the Paris Olympics. Players embraced each other, with Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Horan visibly emotional, and Swanson was seen hugging goalkeeper Naeher as both shed tears of joy.
NBC commentator Jon Champion captured the moment, declaring that the Americans “are once again the gold standard!”
Fans shared in Swanson’s joy, recognizing her resilience and crucial contributions to the team’s success. One fan noted, “Swanson has been so clutch this tournament,” while another added, “I love Swanson so much… good for her.” A third fan highlighted her journey, writing, “Remember when Mal Swanson got injured and she didn’t have a knee? Today she scores the winning gold medal goal. Script writers, thank you.”
Swanson’s goal was her fourth of the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping to extend the USWNT’s all-time gold medal count in soccer to five.
Brazil started the game aggressively, but Team USA was supported by Naeher’s outstanding goalkeeping. She made four key saves, including a spectacular leaping stop on Gabi Portilho just before halftime and a one-handed save on a header by Adriana in the final moments of stoppage time.
This Olympic title is the first major international championship for Team USA under new head coach Emma Hayes, who took the reins in June, and it marks the team’s first major title in five years.
