Among all of our amazing experiences in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, there was one special experience which will leave a lasting print on our hearts…

The Amazing Story

A.G. & I flew back to the US on different flights despite our arrivals into Ohio at the same time. While I was in the Beijing airport waiting to step onto the plane, I overheard some of our new vacation friends talking to another family behind me. The conversation started because both families have little boys named Trey. This USA family indicated they came to Beijing to watch the Olympics and when asked about which event(s) they saw, the mother indicated their interest was to watch the men’s hammer throw! Our friends asked if they had ever heard of A.G. Kruger and the mother says ‘oh yes, we were watching him.’ So of course, this catches my attention! I turn around to look behind me and our friends point out that ‘A.G.’s wife and mother are in front of you in line.’  The mother and I catch each other’s attention and introduce ourselves. She was a wonderful, down to earth woman standing in line with her husband and 2 children.

After we continue conversation about the Beijing Olympics, I ask about their interest in the men’s hammer throw and she tells me something I didn’t expect- “My son was granted his wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish to go to the Beijing Olympics and watch the men’s hammer throw.” Oh yes, I am speechless. A almost didn’t know what to say. This little boy must be one of the cutest, sweetest little boys I have ever seen.  She continues, “We watched A.G. and even tried to meet him, but it didn’t work out.” Again, speechless. Of all times, how could A.G. & I be on different flights?!?!

With a large plane and many people trying to find their seat on the plane (Beijing to Tokyo), it was hard to continue a long conversation with this wonderful family. But once I got on the plane, I kept my eye on the family’s location on the plane and then followed them with a pen & paper in my hand. My goal: Get this family’s contact information so we may do something for this little boy, named Trey, once we return to the USA. We exchange contact information and short conversations until our next conversation.

About Trey

A.G. & I just can’t believe the sequence of events to bring that family right behind me in line. We thank God for His blessings. The weekend after arriving home, the mother and I were able to connect on the phone to talk some more about Trey’s story. What I find out is Trey is an 11 year old, 6th grader who has leukemia. He was diagnosed in September 2005 when he was 8 years old, and has been undergoing a series of treatment until this January. His leukemia is considered high risk because his white blood cell counts over 100,000 (normal is 4.3-10.3). Trey has overcome hospitalization, missing school for 6 months, and going through many, many tests to ensure proper treatment.

The family lives in Arkansas and Trey has an older sister who also joined him to Beijing. The family is blessed to have a supportive community and school environment. The community came together, along with the local bank and Make-A-Wish, to finance their trip and Trey’s classmates all cut their hair when Trey was losing his hair.

Why ‘the hammer?’

Yes, this was something we wondered about too.  In February 2006 when Trey was very sick in the hospital, The Make-A-Wish Foundation came to his room and asked Trey what wish he would want- any wish possible. In February ’06, the TV broadcasted the winter Olympics. Trey asked his mom questions about the winter Olympics. She told him about the winter Olympics along with the summer Olympics, where his questions continued- ‘What sports are in the summer Olympics?’ Since Trey’s mom is a former discus thrower and currently a track/volleyball coach, she was able to tell Trey about many sports at the summer Olympics! ‘Basketball, volleyball, track, …’ Trey presses, ‘What events in track?’ She explains, ‘running, hurdles, throwing- such as shot put, discus, and hammer.’ Trey gets curious and inquires, ‘What’s the hammer?’ Mom explains then Trey responds, “That’s what I want to see! The hammer throw at the Olympics!’  

What now

A.G. & I look forward to continuing a friendship with Trey and want to do anything possible for Trey. We're going to be sending him a package of 'goodies' he'll enjoy, and we'll be continually praying for Trey and his family. We hope one day we'll be able to see Trey again... you never know!  

Trey's health status will be determined again in January. But Trey still continues to enjoy sports as a manager. A.G. & I hope one day we're able to arrange a time to share a sports event Trey enjoys.

Trey has a website if you are interested in supporting him too!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/treyhickey
 
Recent News:

09/07/08- RECENT NEWS! Lynn, the Reporter from NBC Cleveland, called me today indicating that we'll be on TV tonight on the 11pm News. There is a Chicago vs Indi football game on before the 11pm news, but the news will begin once the game is over in case there is overtime. So, you may be interested in watching! Lynn also said they are going to provide a link on their website. We're not sure what's going to be shown or how much editing took place, but regardless we are excited about NBC's support towards A.G.'s accomplishments. Thank you NBC Cleveland!

09/01/08- Last minute change- our footage was not shown last night on TV at 6pm, as you may know already. We found out at 5pm, but had no internet access to update the website on our way to a wedding. Lynn, the NBC Reporter, said she doesn't know when it will be shown but will let us know. Hurricane Gustav is taking lots of coverage at the moment.
Hopefully more details to come!

08/30/08- We just heard from Lynn, the reporter from the NBC affiliate in Cleveland, regarding when the TV show will be aired featuring A.G. (and a little of me). It will be on TV tomorrow at 6 p.m. on NBC through Cleveland... therefore, this will probably not be aired nationally (sorry parents!); this will probably be aired only in the NBC Cleveland viewing area. We'll be taping it on our TV at home, but if there are any updates regarding the time of this airing/changes, we will post them.
Thank you NBC Cleveland! Thanks Lynn!

08/28/08- NBC came to Ashland University's campus to film and interview A.G. & I for a show this weekend. It was very fun! We should be finding out soon when the TV show will be aired this weekend- whether Saturday or Sunday, and what time.
It will be posted once we find out.
Also, we have A.G.'s radio interview recorded. Click HERE to listen to it. It's about 15 minutes long.
Thank you 103.9 WTDA, Columbus Radio!!

08/26/08- Tomorrow A.G. will be featured on a Columbus radio station at 5pm Eastern. You can catch the interview
streaming live on the internet tomorrow @ 5 p.m. Eastern Time Zone. Go to www.1039wtda.com - click on Listen Live
and make sure you use a Columbus zip code when registering - such as 43210

08/23/08- Thank you for the continued financial support and comments we are still receiving upon our arrival home.
It is all greatly appreciated as our fundraisers were very successful. Again, thank you to all our supporters!!!
Currently, A.G. is working full-time as Ashland University's Strength and Conditioning Coach. He's been busy
working with the athletic programs on campus since school starts this week. There are many exciting things
approaching for A.G. which you may be interested in- 

1.) "The Olympic Zone" show, tonight on NBC is going to feature a few pictures from A.G.'s Olympic experience. 
2.) A 1/2 hour interview of A.G. & I will be featured on NBC next weekend, about our experiences to Beijing.
More details to come.  
3.) A Columbus, Ohio radio station is hosting A.G. as a guest speaker this Wednesday at 5pm. More details to come.
4.) A.G.'s commercial is still on TV! We saw it this morning by surprise! What a nice surprise. Hope you saw it.

LOTS MORE PHOTOS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED! Click our PHOTOS link above.

08/20/08- The Kruger's are home! We have completed our travels from China to the USA! It was wonderful to come home and see our 'lil puppy who missed us very much! It's also nice just to come home. We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time at home. A.G. will be relaxing for a while, as he has participated in a very long throwing season. 
Welcome home!

08/18/08- This may be the last time I update the website while in Beijing. We all leave for the States tomorrow. So, I've uploaded some more pictures of the Forbidden City, only 2 pics of the Great Wall (more to come), and some Olympic Party pics from home before any of us left for China. 
Anyways... have a great day!

08/17/08- Today was a great, but tiring day. We went to the Great Wall of China- what a wonderful experience! A.G. was able to experience the Great Wall too! We took plenty of pictures and some short videos we will post soon.
But what a breathtaking view...and steep stairs!! We all had a good time.
Tomorrow, Linda & I were granted permission to visit A.G. in the Olympic Village which we were very excited for approval.
We'll be spending the day with A.G. and relaxing as we all share our last full day of Beijing together.  On the 19th, we all start our travels home to USA. Unfortunately A.G. has a different travel schedule than Linda & I, but ironically A.G. & I will arrive into OH at the same time on the 19th! China has been a wonderful experience- all residents very helpful and accommodating. We've learned different Chinese words to use throughout the city- hi, thank you, no thank you, turn left, turn right, go straight, etc. We've experienced the shopping here in China where you barter prices with the employee for the item. What an experience the first time! But once you learn what to do, it's quite fun!
Thank you again to all of you. We all thank you!

08/16/08- Today was very relaxing for all of us. A.G. & Laura ended up going to a Peking Duck dinner along with other track and field families. Other athletes also attended which was fun. We all had a good time and enjoyed the moments of Beijing. Tomorrow, we (A.G., Laura & Linda) are all going to the Great Wall of China. Again, thank you to all who are sending comments... we are receiving them!

08/15/08-

Linda & I were very excited to cheer A.G. on and support him at The Olympics! Considering A.G. has only been throwing the hammer for 7 years and has already been to 2 Olympic Games, he's doing extremely well as his competition abroad have been throwing the hammer since youngsters. In the hammer, he hasn't even reached his peak. So yes, the best is yet to come.

And yes, we thank you for your support... even the thoughts, prayers and comments while we're at the Games.
They are appreciated! 

VIEW PHOTOS! ...ADDED CONTINUOUSLY

WATCH VIDEOS! ...ADDED CONTINUOUSLY

08/14/08- We've had a long day today. We saw Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City and did some shopping at local shops... and took our first cab today. I have lots of pictures and short video's to share... coming soon. Everything is going well.
Tomorrow is the Hammer Qualifying, so more info to come soon! A.G. is doing well, looking forward to seeing him and seeing him throw tomorrow!

08/13/08- We have arrived into China! Linda & I started our individual travels to LA on Sunday morning, from OH & IA, before sunrise. Then Monday morning started our travels from LA to Tokyo to Beijing, totaling a 15hour trip + 4 hr layover, which landed us into Beijing last night (Tuesday evening). Obviously our references of date & time are slightly off! But our flights were pleasantly smooth. Our flight from LA to Tokyo was on Korean Air and we both agreed it was the best accommodations we’ve ever received on an aircraft. We must have received 8+ meals (ha!), wonderful customer service and accommodations.

Our touring company, Ludus Tours who is affiliated with USATF, greeted us upon arrival to Beijing to bring us to our hotel, which is in the financial district of Beijing. Apparently, the city of Beijing is much bigger than I thought. Our touring company told us that the city of Beijing is about the size of Belgium with the number of people as Canada. The Olympic Marathon of 26 miles travels through the city of Beijing and doesn’t even touch the surface of the city roads.

Speaking of roads, the roads are fairly manageable (when it’s NOT rush hour) and we were able to arrive to our hotel in around 45 minutes from the airport. Rumors are correct that roadways are typically busy even considering the temporary policies to reduce people’s use of vehicles. Pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles all have the same rules on the road. People continually remind us to leave PLENTY of time to get places, because pending of the time of the day, it may take 30 minutes to get somewhere or 2.5hours. Linda & I were daring today and have been walking across the street at intersections, we were very proud of ourselves! The air quality is what I expected. I can see about 2, or 3, buildings afar but not much beyond that due to smog. Breathing, however, is not a problem at all.

We’ve talked to A.G., who is doing well, but we’ll probably not see him before his competition. Since he’s staying at the Olympic Village, he’s not right around the corner. But he’s very excited we’re in town.

Everyone is Beijing is VERY helpful and accommodating. It is hard to hide our American looks in Beijing but all have been extremely helpful which has been nice. We’re impressed.

Today we had breakfast at the hotel, which had a wonderful selection of American & Chinese foods- including rice, noodles, vegetables, dragon fruit from Malaysia, and pastries with meat inside. Then we ventured around our hotel and found a grocery store, which is below a mall, and for dinner found a restaurant called the “Sizzler” which we found had the theme of San Francisco.

Tomorrow we’re going to visit 2 popular attractions in Beijing, including the Forbidden City.

I’ll try to update as much as I can, as internet in my hotel is charged on a daily basis and I haven’t identified a local coffee house with free wifi. 

*This may help you watch the Hammer LIVE-

Link to LIVE stream
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/schedule/

You can select from dozens of sports to watch streaming live from your computer.
No commentary, but picture shown.

Schedule (Eastern Time Zone):

Men's hammer (Qualifying): 8:49 PM on Thursday & 12:00 AM Friday


Link to the Start List for Men's Hammer Qualifying
A.G. is in Flight B.


8/10/08- Today, I am in Los Angeles where I, along with A.G.'s mom, Linda, will be leaving for Beijing in the morning. We are so incredibly excited!! We talked to A.G. this evening and it'll be nice to be in the same city... and country as him! We are relaxing before our 13 hour flight tomorrow. We fly from LA to Tokyo to Beijing. I'm hoping to update this website while in Beijing, hopefully internet limitations will not restrict my abilities to update. Anyways, thank you for all your support! A.G. is doing well and continually focusing on his training. Talk to you soon!
Beijing Bound! -Laura

Here is the link to the Home Depot Commercial if you were unable to see it. CLICK HERE.

8/09/08- The Opening Ceremonies last night were great and hopefully you were able to watch them. At about 8:10pm, Home Depot featured their Olympic Athletes Program through a successful commercial- and A.G. was in it, four times! It was great! What a wonderful commercial! Thank you Home Depot! Home Dept flew A.G. to LA about 2 months ago to film a commercial which supposedly would be broadcasted sometime between the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. Seeing the commercial during the Opening Ceremonies was the first time we've seen it... and I watched it a couple more times after the Ceremonies! 

If you stayed up to watch Team USA enter the Birds Nest at the Opening Ceremonies, then hopefully you saw A.G.! He was in the front row, towards the right with a huge smile on his face! He was so excited!

Message from A.G. about the Opening Ceremonies: "It [Opening Ceremonies] was awesome.  Lopez Lomong was our flag bearer and he was a great guy to meet.  He was my roommate at team processing and I am sure you read through different articles that he had a very tough, young life.  He was so pumped to be the flag bearer and all he kept on saying that this was the land of the free and where dreams really do come true, how true is that.   

I talked to A.G. on the phone after the Opening Ceremonies broadcast and he was telling me how wonderful the Opening Ceremonies were. However, he was very tired from all the walking and standing around at the Ceremonies, and his feet and legs needed rest this week before competing.

YAHOO photos from Opening Ceremonies

Tomorrow, myself (A.G.'s wife) and his mother start our journey's to Beijing. We're flying to LA then to Tokyo then Beijing. I am planning to continually update the website with blogs as much as possible, considering the possible internet limitations in China. I hope to keep you informed.
Thank you again for all your support. The Krugers greatly appreciate it!
Here we go....!

8/08/08- 8 is a lucky number in China, and a date of 08/08/08 doesn't come around very often. The more 8's, the luckier. So, Opening Ceremonies was carefully selected to be today with a grand spectical!  

A.G. in The LeMars Daily Sentinel

8/07/08- It's the day before Opening Ceremonies! A.G. has been residing at the track & field practice training facility since arrival which has supported his abilities to relax in preparation for competing. Today he returns to Beijing where he'll be now residing in the Olympic Village until he leaves. He's been hanging out with other athletes and just relaxing- literally. He is continuing to train, as usual, while sometimes watching other track and field athletes train in their event.

A.G. in The Hamburg Sun Newspaper 

8/03/08- A.G. is adjusting to the time change in Beijing well. He is now at the track & field area for a week and continues to train and relax- literally. There's not too much sight-seeing because relaxing enables him to stay off his feet for good competition. At home in Ohio, we are continuing to receive financial contributions towards Beijing- thank you!
Every little bit helps! Thank you!  

8/01/08- A.G. has arrived safely into Beijing- hooray! His flight was long, but good. He's exhusted. The track and field athletes have a practice area, facility and living quarters they will stay at until the Opening Ceremonies- It's a one-hour flight away from Beijing. A.G. indicated that the air wasn't really that bad in Beijing. But regardless, the track and field athletes are moving to an alternate area until the 7th. Beijing is 12 hours ahead of US eastern time zone.
Again, thank you everyone for your support!

7/29/08- Thank you to those who supported and showed up for the throw-a-thon! It was a beautiful, sunny day and everyone learned just a little bit more about the hammer! It was a good time. 
Throwing Results
Throw-a-thon pictures
Throw-a-thon VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3