Why are there few Olympic weight lifting champions in the USA

Despite being a dominant nation in many Olympic sports, the United States has a surprisingly low number of Olympic weightlifting champions. Here are some factors contributing to this phenomenon:

Cultural Differences: Weightlifting is more popular in Eastern European and Asian countries, where it is seen as a prestigious sport. In the USA, it has traditionally been overshadowed by more mainstream sports like basketball, football, and baseball.
Limited Youth Programs: Unlike many other countries, the USA lacks a strong youth weightlifting infrastructure. This makes it difficult for young athletes to develop the necessary skills and experience early on.
Lack of Funding: Compared to other Olympic sports, weightlifting receives relatively little funding in the USA. This limits the resources available for athlete development, coaching, and facilities.
High Injury Risk: Weightlifting is a physically demanding sport that carries a high risk of injury. This can discourage potential athletes from pursuing the sport or limit their ability to train consistently.
Substance Abuse: The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been a problem in weightlifting worldwide, but it has been particularly prevalent in the USA. This has damaged the sport's reputation and made it difficult to attract clean athletes.

Why is weightlifting more popular in Eastern Europe and Asia? Cultural traditions and government support.
What is the role of youth programs in weightlifting development? They provide a foundation of skills and motivation.
Why does the USA lack strong weightlifting funding? Limited recognition and competition from other sports.
How does injury risk affect weightlifting participation? It can discourage athletes or hinder their training.
What impact has substance abuse had on weightlifting in the USA? Damaged reputation and hindered clean athlete recruitment.