Speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been tapped to lead Team USA during the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Team USA officially announced Jackson and Del Duca as Team USA’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers on Tuesday.
Jackson and Del Duca were chosen through a vote of fellow Olympic teammates led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission.
“Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” Jackson said, via the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “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.”
Jackson, a 33-year-old from Ocala, Florida, will make her third Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina. She made history at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Games, placing first in the women’s 500m.
Now, Jackson will look to defend her 500m crown while also competing in the 1,000m.
Olympic champion speed skater Erin Jackson’s trivia skills are put to the test.
Del Duca, a 34-year-old from Bethel, Maine, is a sergeant in the U.S. army stationed in Lake Placid, New York, and will become the first bobsledder to serve as a Team USA Opening Ceremony flag bearer in 70 years. He will chase his first Olympic medal in Milan Cortina after making his Olympic debut four years ago in Beijing, and he says this year’s Winter Games in Italy will be extra special.
“Being flag bearer for Team USA is an incredible honor,” Del Duca said. “It was also quite the surprise. I’m grateful for the support from my teammates, coaches and staff, Team USA, U.S. Army WCAP, family and friends, and everyone who has helped me on this journey.
“With the Olympic Games being held in Italy, it means even more. Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent. There is no greater honor than leading Team USA into the Opening Ceremony in Italy. It feels like a bridge between my family’s heritage, and the country I’m so proud to serve. I know my grandfather is watching over me saying, ‘Hey, Frangesch, way to go kid,’ and would be so proud.”
Does Italy lead the way? The U.S.? Andorra? When the flags are flying at the Opening Ceremony in Milan Cortina, what order do the countries walk out? Here’s an explainer.
The Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, Feb. 6. Milan’s San Siro Stadium will serve as the main site, but there will be events across several Italian cities for the ceremony.
Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Primetime coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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