U.S sucks at olympic lifting because
1. it's not a major interest of athletes, coaches, or athletic programs in the US
2. usa doesn't screen youth & force them into olympic lifting camps to develop them
3. it doesn't pay well
4. most every gym (high school, college, commercial) doesn't have real olympic bars, bumpers, & platforms
5. "powerlifting" and strongman are much more "fun" & popular in the u.s.
:F