Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca to Carry American Flag at 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
MILAN, Italy — Team USA has named speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca as the flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The announcement highlights two athletes who embody the spirit and diversity of American winter sports as they prepare to represent the nation on the global stage.
Erin Jackson, who made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics during the 2022 Games in Beijing, will carry the flag alongside Del Duca, a U.S. Army sergeant competing in his second Olympics. Jackson’s historic victory in the women’s 500-meter speedskating event marked a milestone for diversity and inclusion in winter sports. Her selection as a flag bearer underscores her continued prominence and leadership within Team USA.
Jackson expressed the honor of being chosen, stating, “Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor. It’s a moment that reflects far more than one individual — it represents my family, my teammates, my hometown, and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport.” She emphasized the Olympics’ role in connecting and inspiring people worldwide, and her pride in carrying that message forward.
Jackson will compete in the 500-meter and 1,000-meter speedskating events alongside teammates Sarah Warren and Brittany Bowe, respectively. Her participation is highly anticipated given her past Olympic success and ongoing competitive excellence.
Frank Del Duca, who serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, also expressed surprise and gratitude at being selected as a flag bearer. As a pilot of the U.S. four-man bobsled team, Del Duca helped lead his squad to a fourth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, demonstrating his skill and leadership in the sport.
The choice of Del Duca highlights the strong ties between the U.S. military and Olympic athletes, a relationship supported by programs such as the Army Athlete Program. His dual role as a soldier and Olympian exemplifies dedication both on and off the ice.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, will showcase athletes from around the world competing across multiple disciplines. Team USA’s delegation, managed by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, is expected to field a strong contingent aiming for podium finishes.
As the opening ceremony approaches, the selection of Jackson and Del Duca as flag bearers serves as a symbolic moment of unity and pride for the American team. Their leadership will set the tone as athletes from across the country come together to compete on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
For more information on the Winter Olympics and Team USA’s preparations, visit the official Team USA website and the International Olympic Committee’s Milan Cortina 2026 page.
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