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Krysta Palmer Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Palmer blown away by homecoming celebration

Krysta Palmer talks at Carson Valley Swim Center on Sunday. Behind Palmer is the first diving boards she learned how do dives off of. Sunday, she returned as an Olympic bronze medalist in diving.

Krysta Palmer talks at Carson Valley Swim Center on Sunday. Behind Palmer is the first diving boards she learned how do dives off of. Sunday, she returned as an Olympic bronze medalist in diving.
Photo by Carter Eckl.

By Carter Eckl

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

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 Sunday afternoon, Douglas High graduate and Northern Nevada newest sports celebrity, Krysta Palmer, returned to where she first stepped on a diving board.
Her first attempts were short-lived and came around the age of 12, but once she began to find her commitment to the sport Carson Valley Swim Center was where it all began.
“Most of the first ones were feet first. Huck it and chuck it,” laughed Palmer, “and see what you get.”
About 200 people gathered inside the swim center to meet and greet the Olympic diving bronze medalist.
Palmer and her coach JianLi You continued to express their gratitude to the community around them.
“It’s just wonderful. It’s been such a fun experience seeing everyone from the community,” said Palmer. “They share this achievement with me, so it’s just been truly wonderful.”



Life-changing experience
In the six days since returning to the United States from her Olympic experience, the 29-year-old has been embraced in local stardom.
“I honestly feel like a celebrity. Everybody has truly made this homecoming so special for me,” said Palmer. “It’s really cool to come back to my community, who has supported me through it all. … It really goes to show Nevada has true spirit.”
Along with a handful of homecoming celebrations, Palmer earned a full spa day at Atlantis Resort and now has two of the first eight days of August dedicated in her honor.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve announced Aug. 3, 2021 was Krysta Palmer Day, while the towns of Gardnerville and Minden followed suit putting her name on Aug. 8, 2021.
Palmer’s humility abounds through her celebratory tour.
The University of Nevada, Reno alumna spent 30 minutes taking questions and taking photos before spending the next hour signing autographs.
“My favorite part has been sharing the medal with everybody and sharing the experience with everyone around me,” said Palmer. “They don’t expect it to be in my hand or in my back pocket and they get so excited to see it or hold it, so that has been wonderful.”
Sunday’s celebration gathered in the middle of the swim center as kids of all ages and adults lined up to get a chance to talk to their local hero.
For Carson Valley Swim Center Director Shannon Harris, the event had to come together quickly.
“This is a great turnout,” said Harris. “It gives me chills because she is in high demand right now. For her, willing to give back to her community that she knows has given so much to her is just a complete blessing.”
As they were leaving the swim center, several groups of families could be heard stating how cool the event was, before heading home.
Through Team USA, Palmer has been able to receive a full ride scholarship to complete her M.B.A through DeVry University.
“I’m super thankful that I can continue studying,” Palmer said. “I’ve taken the last four months to really focus on my dream of being an Olympian. Now, I get to come back after all this ends and go back to school and pursue my education.”
Palmer remains steadfast that she plans to continue diving competitively until she, “reaches her peak or stops having fun.”


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