Team USA has named speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca as its flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which is scheduled between February 6 and 22. Here is everything you need to know about Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca.
Also Read: Winter Olympics 2026 Live Streaming: How to Watch Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony Live in US and Canada - Date, Start Time, Venue and more
Erin Jackson has already secured her place in Olympic history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics. Born in Ocala, Florida, Jackson’s rise to the top followed an unconventional path.
She began skating as a child in figure skating before shifting to inline speed skating as a teenager, where she quickly found success at the junior and senior international levels. While balancing skating with roller derby and studying engineering at the University of Florida, Jackson collected medals at world championships and the Pan American Games.
In 2017, Jackson transitioned to ice speed skating, qualifying for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics just months after stepping onto an ice rink. Her breakthrough came ahead of the Beijing 2022 Games, where she capitalized on an opportunity to compete in the 500 meters and won gold by a narrow margin, delivering Team USA its first women’s Olympic 500m title since 1994.
Frank Del Duca, a US Army sergeant, brings a different but equally compelling story to Team USA’s Olympic delegation. Raised in Bethel, Maine, Del Duca attended five elementary schools across three states and developed into a versatile multi-sport athlete.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and now 34 years old, Del Duca was a high school state champion slalom skier and triple jumper before continuing his education at the University of Maine. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he built a career in the military, embodying the dual role of service member and elite competitor.
Beyond traditional sport, Del Duca is known for his unconventional achievements, including ranking among the top 25 players worldwide in the dirt bike video game Trials Fusion and maintaining an undefeated record in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. As a bobsledder with Italian heritage, Del Duca’s role as flag bearer carries added symbolism as the Games return to Italy.
Also Read: Winter Olympics 2026 Live Streaming: How to Watch Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony Live in US and Canada - Date, Start Time, Venue and more
Who is Erin Jackson
Erin Jackson has already secured her place in Olympic history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics. Born in Ocala, Florida, Jackson’s rise to the top followed an unconventional path.
She began skating as a child in figure skating before shifting to inline speed skating as a teenager, where she quickly found success at the junior and senior international levels. While balancing skating with roller derby and studying engineering at the University of Florida, Jackson collected medals at world championships and the Pan American Games.
In 2017, Jackson transitioned to ice speed skating, qualifying for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics just months after stepping onto an ice rink. Her breakthrough came ahead of the Beijing 2022 Games, where she capitalized on an opportunity to compete in the 500 meters and won gold by a narrow margin, delivering Team USA its first women’s Olympic 500m title since 1994.
Who is Frank Del Duca
Frank Del Duca, a US Army sergeant, brings a different but equally compelling story to Team USA’s Olympic delegation. Raised in Bethel, Maine, Del Duca attended five elementary schools across three states and developed into a versatile multi-sport athlete.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and now 34 years old, Del Duca was a high school state champion slalom skier and triple jumper before continuing his education at the University of Maine. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he built a career in the military, embodying the dual role of service member and elite competitor.
Beyond traditional sport, Del Duca is known for his unconventional achievements, including ranking among the top 25 players worldwide in the dirt bike video game Trials Fusion and maintaining an undefeated record in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. As a bobsledder with Italian heritage, Del Duca’s role as flag bearer carries added symbolism as the Games return to Italy.
