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.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been selected by their fellow Olympians to serve as the U.S. flagbearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics, and Del Duca, a sergeant in the Army with deep Italian roots, will lead the U.S. delegation into the historic Games.

Why it matters

The selection of Jackson and Del Duca as flagbearers represents the diversity and patriotism of the U.S. Olympic team. Jackson's historic achievement and Del Duca's military service and Italian heritage make them fitting representatives to kick off the Milan Cortina Games, which will be spread across multiple Italian cities.

The details

Jackson, 33, will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the flag into an Olympics, while the 34-year-old Del Duca will be the first bobsledder to do so in 70 years. Del Duca, a top U.S. pilot in both two-man and four-man bobsled, is excited to represent his country in his family's homeland of Italy.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will take place in February 2026.
  • The opening ceremony, where Jackson and Del Duca will serve as flagbearers, is scheduled for Friday night.

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 who is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and has deep Italian roots, with three out of his four grandparents being Italian.

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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 (USOPC)

“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 (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22, 2026, with the opening ceremony on February 6th where Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca will serve as the U.S. flagbearers.

The takeaway

The selection of Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the U.S. flagbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony highlights the diversity, patriotism, and family heritage of the American Olympic team. Their historic achievements and personal connections to the host country of Italy make them fitting representatives to kick off the Milan Cortina Games.