Speedskater Erin Jackson and Bobsledder Frank Del Duca will lead Team USA as flag bearers at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
Jackson, a gold medalist from the 2022 Beijing Games, was born and raised in Ocala, Florida, where she won the gold medal in the 500 meters event. She became the first Black woman from any country to win gold in any event at any Winter Olympics.
Erin Jackson described being chosen as flag bearer for Team USA as "tremendous honor." The role represents her family, teammates, hometown and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport.
Del Duca, a 34-year-old pilot from Bethel, Maine, is also an Army sergeant stationed in Lake Placid, New York. He competed in the two-man and four-man competitions in Beijing but did not win a medal.
On the "TODAY" show Tuesday morning, Del Duca said that being the flag bearer is "something special." Having the support of his teammates and Team USA as a whole was described by him as "the utmost honor."
Both athletes were chosen by a vote of their fellow Team USA athletes. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland stated that they are proud to have them lead Team USA onto the world stage.
Erin Jackson expressed her excitement about being flag bearer but emphasized the role represents more than one individual, including family and teammates across the country who believe in the power of sport.
Jackson, a gold medalist from the 2022 Beijing Games, was born and raised in Ocala, Florida, where she won the gold medal in the 500 meters event. She became the first Black woman from any country to win gold in any event at any Winter Olympics.
Erin Jackson described being chosen as flag bearer for Team USA as "tremendous honor." The role represents her family, teammates, hometown and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport.
Del Duca, a 34-year-old pilot from Bethel, Maine, is also an Army sergeant stationed in Lake Placid, New York. He competed in the two-man and four-man competitions in Beijing but did not win a medal.
On the "TODAY" show Tuesday morning, Del Duca said that being the flag bearer is "something special." Having the support of his teammates and Team USA as a whole was described by him as "the utmost honor."
Both athletes were chosen by a vote of their fellow Team USA athletes. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland stated that they are proud to have them lead Team USA onto the world stage.
Erin Jackson expressed her excitement about being flag bearer but emphasized the role represents more than one individual, including family and teammates across the country who believe in the power of sport.
I'm so stoked about Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca leadin' Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 
! They're totally inspirin' me 
, especially with Erin breakin' that historic barrier as the first Black woman to win gold in any Olympic event 
. It's all about representin' not just themselves, but their families, teammates, and communities who believe in sports power 
. Frank, too, is a total rockstar for servin' his country both on and off the ice 
! I'm gettin' all teary-eyed thinkin' 'bout the team's unity and support for each other 
. Go Team USA! 
But what really gets me is how they both said being chosen was an honor and about representing their country. Makes sense, 'cause sport can bring so much people together!
. It's amazing to see someone like Erin making history as the first Black woman from any country to win gold in a Winter Olympics event 
. And let's be real, having them both on the same team is a dream come true for many athletes - I'm sure they'll crush it and make Team USA proud 
at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics! she's a total inspiration to everyone, especially black women everywhere - her journey from ocala florida to olympic gold is truly incredible 
. Can't wait to see them rock that flag on the world stage 
Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca are gonna lead Team USA as flag bearers at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics! I'm so stoked for her, girl power is everything 
especially being the first Black woman to win gold in any event at any Winter Olympics. She's a total inspiration, you feel? 
. I love how he talked about his teammates and USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland being proud of them... they're all about that unity vibes 
. Can't wait to see them both rock that flag at the Olympics! 
. I love how he's all humble about it, but you can tell he's really honored 
. I love how Erin emphasizes that being flag bearer is a team effort 
what's next? pollution levels are already through the roof due to all those planes flying to Italy for the games... 34 years old Frank Del Duca is an army sergeant, but did he even get a decent rest during his military duty? 
and Erin Jackson is basically saying she's just doing this for everyone else, her family, teammates... it's like, yeah we know you're awesome, can't you just do it for yourself too? 
. Erin Jackson & Frank Del Duca leading the charge as flag bearers for Team USA! That's pretty cool. I mean, what an achievement for Erin, being the first Black woman to win gold at any Winter Olympics 