Are you it for me?

Tokyo

On May 16, 2021, Chelsea was in the final for Champions League and lost to Barcelona 4 - 0. Jessie was disappointed that they didn't win, but was proud of the season they had. Jessie's transition into the league was a slow start, but she continued to push through and gave everything she had. Now that Jessie was single her only focus was the Tokyo Olympics and getting Gold for Canada. She knew it wouldn't be easy, so her mindset was to just get the job done and work hard. Jessie learned through social media that Mal was now dating Dansby Swanson. Jessie was happy for her. They still stayed in touch some as they were still friends. Jessie also learned Mal didn't make the Olympic roster for the US. She reached out saying you deserved a spot.

Jessie was really excited for Niamh for making a reserved spot for Great Britain. She knew how hard Niamh has been working. During the tournament Jessie would keep up with Niamh and vice versa. Jessie and Niamh would text before and after games encouraging each other. Great Britain was knocked out in the quarter finals against Australia. Niamh would have liked to stay to support Jessie but because of COVID-19 protocol, no one could stay once they were sent home.

Niamh was in her apartment with Lauren Hemp watching the semi-final of Canada vs US. Niamh was so nervous for Jessie. She really wanted to see her best friend succeed. She knew Canada and the US had a lot of history. The last time they saw each other in the Olympics the US beat them. The first half of the game was tough to watch. Both teams were going at it but could not get the ball into the back of the net. Niamh was pacing back in forth in her living room. Lauren said, "Niamh why don't you sit down?" "I can't, I'm too worried that it will go into penalties" said Niamh. Lauren just shook her head. She has never seen Niamh like this for anyone. The second half started and it was even more intense. You could see every player giving it there all. Niamh jumped in the air at the 74th minute mark and screamed, "That's a penalty ref." Lauren looked at Niamh like she lost her mind. The ref reviewed the play and declared that Deanne Rose was taken down by Tierna Davidson in the penalty area. When Niamh saw Jessie go up to take the penalty kick she whispered "Jessie you've got this."

Jessie stepped up to take the penalty kick. Jessie has prepared for this moment a hundred times. She took a deep breath and then kicked it to the left corner where the goalie couldn't stop it. As it went in Jessie turned around and ran to her teammates. Jessie normally doesn't do crazy celebrations when she scores but she decided to do a knee slide this time. Canada was back to defending for the next 20 minutes. Jessie couldn't believe it. They have just beaten the US and now have a chance to go for Gold. On the bus ride back to the hotel Jessie received a message from Mal. Mal: Congrats! Jessie: Thank you! Jessie's family called to tell her how proud they are of her. But the one person she really wanted to hear from was Niamh.

Niamh couldn't believe Jessie just did that. I mean she knew she could but it was just amazing to watch. Niamh was finally able to sit down after standing for most of the game. Niamh was talking to Lauren when she heard her phone ring. It was Jessie. Niamh could feel her heart flutter. "Hello, Jessie" "Hey, Niamh" "Wow, what a game. I knew you could score the PK." Lauren chimed in "You should've seen her, she wouldn't sit down. She was crazy the entire game." Jessie laughed. Niamh said "Are you going to be doing knee slides from now on?" "That was only for a special occasion" said Jessie. They talked for another hour until Jessie had to go to bed. Jessie wouldn't be in touch until after the final.

Today is the final game of Canada vs Sweden. Jessie will be going up against her Chelsea teammates Magda, Joanna, and Zecira. Sweden scored in the first half making it really hard for Canada to get a goal. In the second half Canada was awarded a penalty kick. Jessie stepped up again and delivered a beautiful goal making it a tie. After the 90 minutes were up they still had to go into extra time. It came down to penalty kicks to decide who gets the Gold. Canada beat Sweden 3-2 in PKs. Jessie felt overwhelmed after the game. She finally made her dream come true in getting a Gold Medal. She also missed her family and was ready for a few weeks off. Jessie couldn't wait to get back to London to celebrate with Niamh. This was only the beginning for Jessie.