Get to Know Olympian Krysta Palmer
by USA Diving
Do you have any nicknames your teammates or family members gave you?
KP
Hometown
Minden, Nevada
Social Media Handles
· Instagram: @krystapalmer
· Twitter: @PalmerKrysta
· TikTok: @krystapalmer
· Facebook: @teamkrysta
How did you get into diving?
I was a competitive athlete in trampoline and gymnastics growing up, but after sustaining several knee injuries that prevented me from reaching my full potential, I started diving at age 20. I began as a walk-on student-athlete having no prior experience in diving. By my junior year I progressed and was offered a full-ride scholarship to continue my education and collegiate diving career. I love diving because many key factors of the sport are similar to trampoline, including the mastery of visual and spatial awareness as well as the nature of multiple flips and twists.
Where do you currently train?
University of Nevada, Reno
Who is your role model?
Laura Wilkinson
Most meaningful accomplishments
Qualifying for the World Series at the 2018 World Cup, Bronze medal in the Team Event at the 2017 World Championships, Bronze medal in the Team Event at the 2018 World Cup, 2019 National Champion 3-meter Synchro, Olympic Qualifier in both the 3 meter individual and 3 meter synchronized events
How do you feel like diving has shaped you into a champion, either in the water or in life or both?
It has taught me the importance of sacrifice. I've learned that if I want to achieve my dreams, it takes important sacrifices to turn goals into success.
What are you looking forward to most at this Olympic Games?
The Opening Ceremony!
What is your favorite memory of diving?
While I was at Mountain West Conference my junior year, during my warm up I was practicing 407C on 10 meter. I went flying over and smacked so hard that the bottom of my feet felt it. I didn't have time to do another one before finals started. I stayed positive, crushing the dive and scoring my first 10.0 it was the BEST feeling EVER!
How have you adjusted to your new title as Olympian?
I am proud of achieving this lifelong dream of mine.
When you are not in the water, what are your favorite hobbies?
Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Wake surfing, dirt biking; basically all the dangerous adrenaline junkie things!
If you weren't a diver, what sport would you love to play?
Snowboarding
What are your long-term goals (either in diving or after diving?)
I would love to perform in Cirque Du Soleil! I also would love to become a head diving coach at a University, and teach Trampoline/diving clinics around the US. Another goal of mine is to own my own business.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Laura Wilkinson because she has been able to turn all of her struggles into strengths. I also look up to her unshakable faith as a Christian athlete.
U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Diving -Women's Synchro 3M Olympians from Indiana Sports Corp on Vimeo.
U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Diving -Women's 3M Olympians from Indiana Sports Corp on Vimeo.