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 1:31pm

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

Why it matters

The selection of Jackson and Del Duca as flagbearers represents the diversity and military service within the U.S. Olympic team. Jackson's historic achievement as the first Black woman to win individual gold at the Winter Games is being celebrated, while Del Duca's Italian heritage adds a personal connection as the Olympics are held in his family's homeland.

The details

Jackson, 33, will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the flag into an Olympics. Del Duca, 34, will be the first bobsledder to carry the flag into an opening ceremony in 70 years. Both athletes were surprised and honored to be chosen by their fellow Olympians for this prestigious role.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony will take place on Friday night.
  • Jackson made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics in 2022.

The players

Erin Jackson

A 33-year-old American speedskater who was 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.

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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

“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 opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will take place on Friday night, where Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca will lead the U.S. team as flagbearers.

The takeaway

The selection of Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as U.S. flagbearers for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony highlights the diversity, military service, and personal connections within the American Olympic team. Their historic achievements and family ties add significance to this prestigious honor as they represent the United States on the global stage.