Pittsburgh Superstars: John Henry Krueger

BEIJING, China — There is a local athlete competing in the Olympics but not for the United States.

Speedskater John Henry Krueger won silver for Hungary during the mixed relays this week.

The Peters Township native switched countries after the 2018 games because of better financial opportunities for speed skaters.

He’s a Pittsburgh superstar after winning silver in the men’s 1,000-meter race in Pyeongchang.

Channel 11′s Gordon Loesch talked to Krueger after he won in South Korea.

“What’s your message to all our supporters back in Pittsburgh,” Loesch asked.

“Just thank you for cheering for me and supporting me. Especially my family, this was impossible without you. I love you,” he said.

Krueger plans to compete in five events in Beijing.

When asked about why he left Team U.S.A. speedskating he told national media it was financially motivated and that staying put would have left his family bankrupt.

Pittsburgh native John-Henry Krueger wins silver medal in speedskating Pittsburgh native John-Henry Krueger wins silver medal in speedskating

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