EUGENE, OREGON – The 2008 Summer Olympics has been marred by controversy and protests long before the athletes even start to arrive in Beijing.

The Chinese government has come under fire for it’s human rights record and the treatment of residents in Tibet, leading to a number of protests leading up to the Summer Olympics.

A handful of protesters have made their way to the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene to voice their concern against the government of China.

A Chinese woman from Portland, who wished not to give her name, was handing out flyers advertising the Falun Gong, a spiritual practice that seeks to improve body, mind and spirit.

3,159 followers of Falun Gong has been reportedly killed by the Chinese Communist party – - which banned the group in 1999 and is doing their best to wipe out the group.

Poor air quality, humidity, communism – sign me up for a vacation in Beijing.