Krysta Palmer rotates through the air during a 3-meter synchronized dive with partner Alison Gibson. The pairing was secured the first spot on the U.S. Diving Olympic Team Thursday night.
Courtesy USA Diving
Krysta Palmer successfully qualified for the US Diving Olympic team in the 3-meter synchronized Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Olympic Trials.
Palmer, who is a Douglas High graduate, and her partner Alison Gibson led the Olympic qualifying after winning the preliminary and semifinal rounds of competition.
The pairing needed to hit their final dive in order to qualify, but only needed a four of a possible 10 points.
The dream was captured as soon as the duo hit the water.
“It was so special to be able to share that moment with her,” said Palmer of her teammate in the post-meet press conference. “That is just pure excitement, looking toward her.”
Palmer and Gibson ended the cumulative rounds with a total score of 899.82, besting the second pairing of 871.50.
“I can put it on my resume. It’s pretty great,” said Gibson in the presser, jokingly, of what it means to be an Olympian.
The Carson City native grew up as a gymnast and didn’t start diving until she was 20-years-old.
Laura Wilkinson handed Palmer her Olympic ring as a part of a tradition once qualifying for the Olympic team.
“Oh my goodness, … that was so special to me because she has always been an inspiration of mine,” said Palmer. “I remember when I was young and a gymnast, … I remember watching the Olympic games where she was competing and I was amazed.”
Both Palmer and Gibson will compete in the individual 3-meter competition Saturday where Palmer is seated in first heading into competition.
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