Erin Jackson, the gold medalist speedskater from Florida who won Olympic glory in Beijing four years ago, and Frank Del Duca, a seasoned bobsledder from Maine, will carry the U.S. flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Jackson, 33, was born and raised in Ocala, Florida, and won the gold medal in the 500 meters at the Beijing Games last year, becoming the first Black woman from any country to win gold in any event at any Winter Olympics. Despite her initial surprise at winning the gold, she is now looking forward to being the defending champion.
"I hope people can see my story and the stories of other Black women in winter sports and then, hopefully, we’ll have more coming up soon," Jackson said after being chosen as the flag bearer for Team USA. "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."
Del Duca, 34, is a seasoned bobsledder from Maine who competed in the two-man and four-man competitions in Beijing without winning a medal. However, he is also an Army sergeant stationed in Lake Placid, New York, and joins the World Class Athlete Program.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity," Del Duca said about being chosen as flag bearer. "It was also quite the surprise." Being the flag bearer means a lot to him, especially given his Italian heritage - nearly everyone in his family is of Italian descent.
When asked whether he prefers chasing a gold medal or defending his title, Jackson simply said she is "really excited to be the defending champion" and hopes to bring home another medal.
Jackson, 33, was born and raised in Ocala, Florida, and won the gold medal in the 500 meters at the Beijing Games last year, becoming the first Black woman from any country to win gold in any event at any Winter Olympics. Despite her initial surprise at winning the gold, she is now looking forward to being the defending champion.
"I hope people can see my story and the stories of other Black women in winter sports and then, hopefully, we’ll have more coming up soon," Jackson said after being chosen as the flag bearer for Team USA. "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."
Del Duca, 34, is a seasoned bobsledder from Maine who competed in the two-man and four-man competitions in Beijing without winning a medal. However, he is also an Army sergeant stationed in Lake Placid, New York, and joins the World Class Athlete Program.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity," Del Duca said about being chosen as flag bearer. "It was also quite the surprise." Being the flag bearer means a lot to him, especially given his Italian heritage - nearly everyone in his family is of Italian descent.
When asked whether he prefers chasing a gold medal or defending his title, Jackson simply said she is "really excited to be the defending champion" and hopes to bring home another medal.
they're choosing these two athletes just so they can have a diverse flag bearer... erin jackson is cool and all but what's with the "power of sport" speech? sounds like some gov't funded PR stunt to me 
frank del duca is cool too, but I'm wondering why he's chosen over someone else. you know, just to mix it up a bit 
? Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca are going to carry the US flag at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics! It's such an amazing honor for them, and I'm loving the vibes of this moment 
#FlagBearerGoals #WinterOlympics2026
, breaking barriers as the first Black woman to win gold in any Winter Olympics event. And Frank Del Duca, the bobsledder from Maine, who's all about representing his Italian heritage with pride 
#TeamUSA
#USOFWinterOlympics
. As a native Floridian, I've got to give it up for Erin - she's breaking barriers and proving that Black women can dominate in winter sports 
! And can you believe Frank is a Maine guy with Italian roots? It's gonna be so cool to see him on the big stage, representing his family and heritage 
!
at the 2026 Winter Olympics can't wait to see what they do! it's amazing how far they've come from where they started, especially for Erin winning gold in her first Olympics like that was incredible 
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! I mean, 500 meters is no joke, she's an absolute legend on the ice 
! But honestly, Frank Del Duca's Italian heritage makes this moment even sweeter, you know? It's all about representation and giving people from different backgrounds a chance to shine 
. Can't wait to see what they bring home in Milan Cortina!
and I love how he's keeping it chill with his "grateful for the opportunity" vibe 
. I'm all about that defending champion vibe too 
. Can't wait to see what these two athletes bring home! Frank's Italian heritage is cool, btw 
. It's gonna be a fantastic Olympics with these awesome flag bearers setting the tone for Team USA 
they're gonna make America proud! can you believe it's been 4 years since Beijing and now they're gonna light up the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 
anyway, Team USA is all about that Olympic win 
we need to see more diversity on those slopes 
and Frank Del Duca too, i'm surprised he got picked 
. i'm rooting for erin to bring home another gold medal & for frank to shine on the bobsled track 
she's literally a legend after what happened in beijing last year 
She turned it into a gold medal moment and now she's looking forward to making history again by defending her title. 
. I mean, come on, Jackson's story is literally inspiring - a Black woman from Florida breaking barriers in winter sports? That's what it's all about! 
. I'm def hoping for more diversity in winter sports, this is just the beginning 
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. And Del Duca's Italian heritage makes it cool that he's got a personal connection to Italy, but at the end of the day, it's about winning and making his family proud 
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and I am SO here for it 
. Bring home those medals, Erin! You're making history 
The fact that he gets to carry the flag at the opening ceremony is just amazing! I love how both Erin and Frank are so humble and grateful for the opportunity 
Should be totally matching with Team USA colors, if you ask me 