Just 20 years old when she first took up diving, Gardnerville native Krysta Palmer made history in the sport on the global stage a decade later, a feat that wasn’t lost on her fellow Nevadans.
Earlier this month, Palmer took home the bronze in the women’s individual 3-meter springboard final at the Tokyo Olympics, having become the first individual female medalist for USA Diving since 2000.
“I can’t believe this just happened!!” Palmer tweeted on Aug. 1. “So proud to represent @TeamUSA / @USADiving and my entire community!! We got an Olympic medal!!!”
KOLO reported that the diver was honored upon her return to the Battle Born State.
Palmer’s United Airlines flight touched down at Reno-Tahoe International Airport on the afternoon of Aug. 3 to a water cannon salute, with more than 100 people braving the scorching heat to greet Palmer and her coach Jian Li You.
Reno Gazette Journal reported that Reno Mayor Hilary Schieve sent a proclamation declaring Aug. 3, 2021, “Krysta Palmer Day.”
“Nevada is just an amazing community and amazing place and we have some amazing people in it and I’m so thankful for all of you coming here,” the publication reported Palmer telling the throng of her adoring fans.
You herself also made history.
KOLO reported that she’s the first-ever female coach on the Team USA Olympic diving staff making Palmer’s bronze medal even more special.
