Olympics

John-Henry Krueger's run to silver started at Pittsburgh Speedskating Club

John-Henry Krueger competed in the biggest races of his life here in Pyeongchang, but he got his start in the Pittsburgh Speedskating Club.

It's a club that's now struggling, despite having produced an Olympic athlete.

Channel 11 caught up with the club during its first session of the year.

It was during open public skating at the Kirk Nevin Arena in Greensburg -- the only place and time they can get in.

“We work basically just on technique and keep the speeds low; we don't go fast,” said Larry Dailey, a Pittsburgh Speedskating Club coach.

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Dailey coached Krueger and the Olympian's brother Cole, who both skated in the club at its peak.

“The club really grew. We had a ton of skaters. It was so much fun,” said former club member Maddie Reisman.

Reisman skated with the Kruegers and remembers when it was much easier to find a place to train.

“Hockey has really bought up all the rinks and they've bought up all the ice time. Even if we had the money, we can't get in anywhere,” said Dailey.

It's a Catch-22 -- to get more ice time, they need more skaters and to get more skaters, they need ice time.

Ten-year-olds Trey and Ben make up the team right now.

The skates they use are the same ones Krueger practiced in when he was a kid here.

Last year, Krueger came back home to offer some lessons and some inspiration.

“I think it's pretty cool to know someone and get taught by someone who's now in the Olympics -- that maybe we could be there one day,” said speedskater Trey Trebilcock.

The club meets every weekend in Greensburg.

Members are hoping Krueger’s success will translate into more interest and more members.

 

Cox Media Group

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