U.S. Olympian John-Henry Krueger To Skate For Hungary

PETERS TOWNSHIP, PA - John-Henry Krueger, the short-track speed skater from Peters who won a silver medal at this past Winter Olympics, plans to compete in the Olympics again. But he’ll do so for Hungary rather than the United States.

Krueger confirmed the switch to USA Today after going to the White House last week with other U.S. Olympians to meet with President Donald Trump. He said financial concerns are prompting the move.

“I was and am still proud to have represented the United States during my career but have been faced with an unsustainable situation where if I continue pursuing my career with the US team I will bankrupt myself and my family," Krueger told USA TODAY via email.

Heidi Krueger, the skater’s mother, said that she and husband spent more than $70,000 over the past two years to help their son pursue his quest for an Olympic medal. Krueger won a prize of $20,000 for winning the silver medal, but the money was used to repay one of several loans his family took out to pay for his training.

Heidi Krueger said the family requested US Speedskating cover her son’s training expenses in the Netherlands for the next four years, which annually amount to around $28,000.

U.S. Speedskating CEO Ted Morris said Hungary’s release request that would enable Krueger to skate for that nation will be granted.

"We are not going to force anyone to wear the Stars and Stripes who doesn't want to," Morris told USA Today. "We think it is an honor and a privilege. This is disappointing, but we are not in a position ever to guarantee an athlete money over a four-year period."

Photo via Getty Images.

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