Is the talent level THAT much higher now, outside of Saduleev, and maybe Taz? Young Kyle had to deal with Varner, Cox, Gatsalov, Bolt, etc.
He just lost to a guy who Valencia teched a year ago. In the Olympics, he lost to a guy whom Kueter outplaced in junior worlds.
He's still in medal contention every time out, but not a slam dunk. He is also capable of some troubling losses.