American Preparations.

In 1928 the tryout system developed in 1920 received its most enthusiastic response with twelve thousand to fifteen thousand athletes competing for places on the 320-member Olympic team. The U.S. Olympic Committee raised $415,696 and spent $330,465. The U.S. Olympic Committee president, Maj. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, expressed absolute faith in the American team who would travel to Amsterdam for the July-August summer games and to Saint Moritz in February for the winter games: "Without exception our athletes have come through the long grind of training into superb condition. They are prepared both mentally and physically for the great test. Americans can rest serene and assured," MacArthur asserted. Buoyed by self-confidence, money, and talent, the Americans anticipated great success in the games. But although the United States won more gold medals than any other team — twenty-four —they did not live...