[chrisBob]

That is an easy argument for an outsider to make in virtually any situation. The answer is probably similar to the reason you aren't doing your programming job on an 11" chrome book.

[chrisseaton]

Other countries don’t even remotely approach social university sports teams like this and still have fun and generate elite athletes.

[csa]

Outside of the US, elite athletes are often members of non-university clubs. These clubs are supported well and often have very good funding.