Moultrie welcomes home Olympic diver Carson Tyler with parade

MOULTRIE, Ga. – Hundreds have come out to the square in downtown Moultrie Monday evening to give a hero’s welcome to Olympic diver and Colquitt county native, Carson Tyler.

Moultrie native Carson Tyler may have just missed the podium at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the men’s three meter diving event…

But… he got a hero’s welcome in his hometown.

“Oh, I’m filled with emotions of just like gratitude and excitement, like the support that this community has shown. It’s just really cool. And, the turnout today was amazing,” said Carson Tyler, Olympic diver, Moultrie native.

Carson was given the Key to the City for all his hard work in making it to the Olympics.

And… to many in the city, they’re incredibly proud of what Carson has done.

“I came out here just, you know, to congratulate him on being the first Moultrie boy from here to compete in the Olympics. Because, you know, it’s been a long time since someone from Moultrie has competed in the Olympics. He’s actually the first one,” said Peyton Rentz, Moultrie.

“Oh, yes. That’s awesome. It shows how much hard work he did, how dedicated he is. We are super proud and somebody for our children to look up to,” said Amanda Braswell, Moultrie.

And… we got a chance to speak with some of the parents and kids about how Carson’s Olympic journey is inspiring them.

“It means that our program was really good and maybe one day I can be up there, with my friends, competing in the Olympics,” said Ansley Lane, Moss Farms Diving Camp.

“And, it was just really fun being able to watch him on TV as he competed in the Olympics. And, I’ve got four girls and this one in particular Riley Moore just every night said ‘I want to do that. I want to do that.’ She wants to be a diver after seeing him. So, I don’t know if that will work or not, but she’s certainly going to give it a try,” said Emily Watson, Moultrie.

“I’m so excited to dive on a big, high diving board,” said Riley Watson, Moultrie.

And… when we asked him about competing in the Olympic games in Los Angeles in 2028, he just had this to say.

“Definitely. We’re back to the grind. I can’t wait for what the next four years has in store,” said Tyler.

While Carson may have, unfortunately just missed the podium in France back home in Southwest Georgia, he’s a hero no matter what.

Colquitt county also proclaimed Carson’s birthday, June 9th, as Carson Tyler Day.

Brian Roche reporting.

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