You've got to respect American athletic prowess & superiority, how do they do it?

Question

As an Aussie I would really like to know.

Answer 1

The US government don't put a dime into training athletes...well maybe at the top they do.  But those athletes have to start somewhere, and usually they start with the parents footing the bill.  Gymnasts' parents pay for their kids to go to these gyms, there is no government program for gymnastics in the US, the government don't send out scouts to find talent.

Michael Phelps went through the same situation, where his mom paid for his lessons.  I bet you there are many many kids out there in the US that could be great but is unknown because the parents couldn't afford it, or just failed to acknowledge the talent.

This is specially true with the fringe sports like archery.  Most of our archers have to pay for their own coaching, their own equipment, pay to go to the trials, etc.  

It really is a wonder when a kid like Shawn Johnson is at the top of the podium.  This is a kid that goes to public school, only train 4 hours a day, and lead a normal live.  Natalie Coughlin is another example, and many more US athletes.  I guess you have a large enough and diverse enough population and talent will just emerge.

Answer 2

We've got a big, diverse population and a lot of technical know-how.  

Answer 3

Being one of the strongest if not the strongest nation in the world seems to help.  Besides sustaining a high quality of life for its citizens, the government also invests lots of money into training and producing promising specimens who fulfill their potential and become great athletes.  Obviously hard work and dedication is a factor as well.

To be completely honest, America is expected to be superior in many aspects, it would actually be a disappointment if they underperform.

Answer 4

having blacks in the team

Answer 5

Well one thing you've got to remember is that we had 642 (or something like that) athletes from just the United States of America. Another thing is that we have the money to train athletes well.  

Answer 6

Drugs.