MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) – It’s an exciting day in South Georgia, where Moultrie native Carson Tyler competed for a gold medal in the men’s 3-meter diving event Thursday morning.

With 429.25 points he reached 4th place in the overall ranking and it can therefore be rightly said that he is one of the best high divers in the world.

Moultrie Mayor William McIntosh described Thursday’s historic event with one word: “Wow.”

Tyler makes history with his Olympic debut and becomes the first American since 2000 to qualify for the Olympic Games in both the 3 and 10 meters in the same year.

This is truly incredible, especially coming from a small town here in South Georgia. Tyler’s family and friends have a message for the people of South Georgia: “Never give up on your dreams because you can definitely do it.”

Carson’s family tells WALB that the 30-foot jump is actually his favorite, so they are excited to see what Carson Tyler can do on the world stage.

“Moose Mawls, who started this program that Carson is part of in this article, said, ‘Maybe one day my dream is to have an Olympic diver, and today, here, it has come true,'” McIntosh said.

Carson Tyler knew from a young age what he wanted to do: He would get up early in the morning, come to the YMCA in Moultrie, jump on that diving board, dive into that pool, and finally, years later, step onto the world stage.

“There are so many young people who have watched him and who want to get up early in the morning and see Carson jump off the platform. What a great opportunity to have one of our own out there,” said Jennifer Buckner, executive director of the Moultrie YMCA.

“He’s thinking about next time. Because next time he’s going to do better, I mean, that’s just how he does it, next time he’s going to win a medal,” said Glenda Bozeman, Tyler’s grandmother.

Downtown Moultrie is full of images supporting Tyler.

You see this Olympic pride and support for him. So many people chanting “Go for Gold,” “Paris 2024,” “Olympia 2024,” “Carson Tyler.” His name is known in Moultrie and that shows how much support he gets from his hometown here in South Georgia.

“We’re a very close-knit community, so everyone wants to come and support someone who is in such a dynamic situation as the Olympics. We’re super proud of him,” said supporter Jackie Miles.

Tyler’s grandparents watched with pride as they saw him accomplish an amazing feat.

“It was very emotional to see him participate because it was his lifelong dream to do this. We are so proud of him and wish him the best of luck in the 10 miles,” said Patricia Tyler, Carson’s grandmother.

“The community has really been calling for this and saying they want to come together as a group, as a community, and support and cheer on Carson,” said Caroline Barber, executive director of the Moultrie CVB.

“I’m really trying to hold back the tears because I’m so proud of him.”

“To see somebody jump and dive like that, and I dive like a rock and float like a feather, and I just go to the bottom and stay forever,” said Linda and Bobby Wiard, Tyler’s great uncle and great aunt.

“Keep up the good work and God bless you. We love you very much,” said Dianne and Dorsey Wiard, Tyler’s great uncle and great aunt.

The preliminary competition in the 10-meter platform diving will take place on Friday, August 9th at 4 a.m. and the 10-meter final will take place on Saturday, August 10th at 9 a.m.

To join the party, go to the Welcome Center in downtown Moultrie at 9 a.m. on August 10th, and there will be a Welcome to Tyler parade on August 22nd.

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