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 1:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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.

Why it matters

The selection of Jackson and Del Duca as flagbearers represents the diversity and military service within the U.S. Olympic team, and highlights the significance of the Milan Cortina Games being held in Del Duca's family's homeland of Italy.

The details

Jackson, 33, and Del Duca, 34, were chosen by a group of their fellow Olympians to lead the U.S. delegation into the opening ceremony. 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 across multiple Italian cities due to the unique format of these Olympics.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will open on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Jackson and Del Duca were selected as flagbearers on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Erin Jackson

A 33-year-old American speedskater who is 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.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

The organization that oversees the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams and selected Jackson and Del Duca as the flagbearers.

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

What’s next

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will open on Friday, February 6, 2026, with Jackson and Del Duca leading the U.S. delegation into the opening ceremony.

The takeaway

The selection of Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the U.S. flagbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the diversity, military service, and international connections within the American Olympic team, and the significance of these Games being held in Del Duca's family's homeland of Italy.