American Exceptionalism at it's best.
Americans cling to their precious few world class runners, several who are past their prime, like grim death. They're going to get skunked in Tokyo. The only ones I see that can medal are Brazier and Hoppel.
Japanese have right now, at least 5 marathoners that can beat Rupp. If you understood Japanese culture you would know they are going all out to make a world statement on the home soil. They have the talent pool and the money to develop and more importantly sacrifice individuality for the overall good of the team. Banzai!!
That doesn't count the Africans who have distance culture embedded in their DNA at birth.
The US plays it cheap until a few months before the Olympics, then goes back to playing it cheap when they're over. They worry more about qualifying times than actually being competitive.