I think you are leaving out the expectations of men’s mid-distance and distance athletes to both produce at least 1 medal. We didn’t get a finalist in the 1500m which is most likely the #2 or #3 event in track and field, but probably #4 at these games. Disappointing results in the jumps specifically on the Men’s side with Pole Vault. The shot put was disappointing as well despite one bronze medal when a sweep of those medals was a real possibility. 3 of the top 5 decathletes and only 1 medal when 2 medals was a real possibility. We missed out on more medal opportunities than the gained in unexpected surprise performances. When you put the botched relays in along those events as well the women’s 400m and 800m in term of finalists it’s was a disaster. I don’t think it has every to do with medals, but also our lack of finalists or shortage of finalists in some events.
Not to rag on lolo because she’s an outstanding human being and since the hurdles are well the hurdles, but we could have 1 more medal in that event as well. We got lucky Liu’s injury on the men’s side otherwise it’s likely we have one less silver medal, but again the short hurdle race is a beast in fierce competition no matter the level.
A change has to occur, put national team coaches on 4 year contracts and that’s their sole responsibility and provide a better tool for championship relay performances with something other than OD relays at collegiate meets and choosing the pool from the top finalists at the OT/NC.