FEBRUARY 4, 2026 — MILAN — Team USA announced Wednesday that speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will serve as flag bearers during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking a milestone moment for both athletes as the Games prepare to begin.
Jackson, who made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic speedskating, described the selection as “deeply humbling.” Del Duca, a U.S. Army sergeant competing in his second Olympics, called the honor “a privilege beyond words.”
The Winter Games officially open Friday, with athletes from more than 80 countries gathering across northern Italy for two weeks of competition.
U.S. Olympic officials said the pair were chosen through a vote of fellow athletes, a longstanding tradition intended to reflect team unity and respect.
Jackson enters the Games as a leading medal contender in the 500-meter event, while Del Duca’s four-man bobsled team has posted strong finishes in recent international competitions.
The Milan-Cortina Games are expected to draw global audiences as winter sports continue expanding in popularity. Organizers have emphasized sustainability, utilizing existing venues and historic alpine sites to minimize environmental impact.
Athletes have begun settling into the Olympic Village, where final training sessions are underway. American coaches expressed confidence in the team’s preparation across disciplines including alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and freestyle events.
Sports analysts note that representation has become an increasingly visible element of Olympic narratives. Jackson’s selection reflects broader efforts to diversify winter sports participation in the United States.
Opening ceremonies traditionally blend host-nation culture with global symbolism. Italian organizers have hinted at a showcase celebrating art, design, and winter landscapes.
As anticipation builds, Team USA athletes say their focus remains on performance.
“Carrying the flag is an incredible honor,” Jackson said. “But once competition begins, it’s about racing, representing your country, and doing your best.”
The first medal events are scheduled for Saturday.
