By and large, these aren't NCAA sports? Women's rowing is big but it seems like there are a lot of different rowing events?
Without government support in the US, athletes in these sports can't make a living while they train and compete?
Maybe both of these also apply to other sports where the US does well so what the hell do I know?!?!
But with our population size, relative wealth, access to water, access to sporting venues, access to equipment, you would think we could perform at least as well as these other smaller countries.
Is funding an issue?
Why wouldn't a US bike company or a boat company step up to sponsor?
in the united states. This is especially true in olympic sports.
In many European countries multi sports clubs with vast adult memberships subsidize the operation of niche sports particularly with youth departments that are largely free to participate in.
If I want to fence in the united states, I have to find a fencing club and likely spend a boat load of fees and travel costs to go to competitions.
We also very much rely on intercollegiate athletics to provide training grounds for the nichest of sports. This might not be the most optimal way to identify and cultivate talent for some sports.