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Olympic speed skating champion Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been named Team USA’s flag bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced Tuesday.
This marks the second time in history that Team USA has chosen two athletes to share the honor, following bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and curler John Shuster in 2022.
Jackson, 33, who won gold in the 500-meter speed skating event at the 2022 Olympics, will aim to defend her title while also competing in the 1,000-meter race. She described being selected as a “tremendous honor” and highlighted the pride of representing her family, teammates, and the country on the Olympic stage.
Del Duca, 34, who competed in the two-man and four-man bobsled events in 2022, finishing 13th in both, said he was surprised but deeply honored by the selection. A U.S. Army sergeant with Italian heritage, Del Duca noted the significance of leading Team USA in Italy, connecting his family roots with his role in the military and sport.
With their selection, Jackson becomes the eighth U.S. speed skater and Del Duca the sixth bobsledder to carry the national flag at the Olympics. Both athletes will lead Team USA at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, airing live on NBC and Peacock at 2 p.m. ET.
