Olympic speed skating gold medalist Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will serve as flag bearers for Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced Tuesday.
It marks the second time two athletes have been chosen to share the honor of being Team USA’s flag bearers. In 2022, bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and curler John Shuster served as Team USA’s flag bearers.
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Jackson, 33, enters the 2026 Olympics with big expectations. After taking the gold in the 500-meter speed skating event at the 2022 Olympics, Jackson will look to repeat in 2026. Jackson will also look to pick up a medal in another event, as she’ll also participate in the 1,000.
She called it a “tremendous honor” to be chosen as one of Team USA’s flag bearers.
“Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” Jackson said. “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.”
Del Duca, 34, participated in the 2022 Olympics in both the four-man and two-man bobsled events, finishing 13th in both events. Del Duca — a sergeant in the U.S. Army — said he was surprised by being chosen, but called it an “incredible honor.”
“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.”
With the honor, Jackson will be the eighth U.S. speed skater chosen as a flag bearer. Del Duca will be the sixth bobsledder to serve in the role.
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Del Duca and Jackson will take part in the Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony, which will air live on NBC and Peacock at 2 p.m. ET on Friday.
