Speedskater Erin Jackson, bobsledder Frank Del Duca picked as US flagbearers for Winter Olympics

Jackson will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the flag, while Del Duca will be the first bobsledder to do so in 70 years.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Speedskater Erin Jackson, 33, and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, 34, have been selected by their fellow Olympians to be the U.S. flagbearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Jackson will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the flag, while Del Duca will be the first bobsledder to do so in 70 years.

Why it matters

The selection of Jackson and Del Duca as flagbearers highlights the diversity and accomplishments of the U.S. Olympic team. Jackson made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics, while Del Duca, a sergeant in the Army, comes from a family with deep Italian roots, making the Milan Cortina Games especially significant for him.

The details

Jackson and Del Duca were chosen by a group of their fellow Olympians to lead the U.S. delegation into the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Jackson will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the flag, while Del Duca will be the first bobsledder to do so in 70 years. The opening ceremony will be spread out across multiple Italian cities, including Milan, Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22, 2026.
  • The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Erin Jackson

A 33-year-old American speedskater who made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics.

Frank Del Duca

A 34-year-old American bobsledder and sergeant in the U.S. Army, hailing from a family with deep Italian roots.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. The Olympics remind us of the power of sport to connect and inspire, and I'm proud to carry that forward on the Olympic stage.”

— Erin Jackson

“It means a lot. It really does. It means a lot. It would be cool anywhere, but the fact that it's in Italy, I think our family is just that much more excited. My grandparents are no longer around, but they always rooted for Italy and the U.S. And they said the perfect day would be the Italians and the Americans tying for gold. So, yes, this is cool. It's a cool opportunity.”

— Frank Del Duca, U.S. bobsledder

What’s next

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will officially begin with the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, where Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca will lead the U.S. delegation as flagbearers.

The takeaway

The selection of Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the U.S. flagbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony is a testament to the diversity and accomplishments of the American Olympic team. Their stories of breaking barriers and representing their country with pride will inspire athletes and fans alike as the world gathers for the Games.