Media Press Release

Erin Jackson, Frank Del Duca Selected as Team USA’s Flag Bearers for Opening Ceremony of Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

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by USOPC

Milan, Italy – Speedskating Olympic champion Erin Jackson and bobsled Olympian Frank Del Duca have been selected as Team USA’s flag bearers for the U.S. delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced today. The Opening Ceremony will be held at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan, beginning at 8 p.m. local time. NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Primetime coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock. 

 

Jackson and Del Duca were chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes through a process led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, which serves as the representative group and voice of Team USA athletes. They are the second duo at the Olympic Winter Games to share the honor of leading the delegation into the Opening Ceremony, which serves as the official start to the Olympic Winter Games.  

  

“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.” 

 

Preparing for her third Olympic Winter Games, Jackson will aim to defend her Beijing 2022 gold medal in the 500 meters and compete in the 1,000 meters as well. Joining Jackson in leading the U.S. delegation is Del Duca, who made his Olympic Winter Games debut at Beijing 2022 and has been in the sport for over a decade. He is part of the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and a sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in Lake Placid, New York.  

 

“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.” 

 

Jackson becomes the eighth U.S. speedskater in history to earn the honor of Team USA flag bearer, while Del Duca becomes the sixth bobsledder to carry the flag.  

 

“We are honored to announce Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “Being chosen by their fellow athletes is a powerful reflection of the respect they’ve earned through their leadership, commitment, and the way they represent Team USA every day. Erin and Frank embody the values of excellence and unity that define our Olympic Team, and we’re proud to have them lead Team USA onto the world stage.” 

 

NBCUniversal will surround the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 – the biggest Winter Olympics ever, with the most athletes, sports, and events – with its most comprehensive coverage plan to date, totaling more than 3,200 hours. Led by the NBC broadcast network and streaming service Peacock, NBCUniversal’s presentation of Milan Cortina 2026 will offer more ways than ever for viewers to watch their favorite events and athletes across broadcast and cable networks, Peacock, extensive accessibility offerings, social media, audio, and more. Click here for all the ways to watch. NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Primetime coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock. 

  

Follow Team USA in Milano Cortina  

Team USA fans can follow the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team at TeamUSA.com and across Team USA’s social channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The U.S. Olympic Team microsite will offer Team USA results from the Olympic Winter Games, as well as athlete biographies, sport storylines and more.  

 

The USOPC has launched its Team USA Milano Cortina 2026 media hub, where media can find Olympic Games operations and information, National Governing Body press officer contact information, breaking news, history books and more. The USOPC will continue to add on-the-ground information, including details on pre-Games press conferences, high-demand ticketing and more to this website.  

  

U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM OPENING CEREMONY FLAG BEARERS (winter only) 

  • 1924 Clarence Abel, Ice Hockey 
  • 1928 Godfrey Dewey, President, Lake Placid Organizing Committee 
  • 1932 William Fiske III, Bobsled 
  • 1936  Rolf Monsen, Nordic Skiing 
  • 1948  John Heaton, Bobsled 
  • 1952 James Bickford, Bobsled 
  • 1956  James Bickford, Bobsled 
  • 1960  Donald McDermott, Speedskating 
  • 1964  William Disney, Speedskating 
  • 1968  Richard McDermott, Speedskating 
  • 1972  Dianne Holum, Speedskating 
  • 1976  Cynthia Nelson, Alpine Skiing 
  • 1980  Scott Hamilton, Figure Skating 
  • 1984  Frank Masley, Luge 
  • 1988  Lyle Nelson, Biathlon 
  • 1992  Bill Koch, Cross-Country Skiing 
  • 1994  Cammy Myler, Luge 
  • 1998  Eric Flaim, Speedskating 
  • 2002  Amy Peterson, Speedskating 
  • 2006  Chris Witty, Speedskating 
  • 2010  Mark Grimmette, Luge 
  • 2014  Todd Lodwick, Nordic Skiing 
  • 2018  Erin Hamlin, Luge 
  • 2022  Elana Meyers Taylor, Bobsled; John Shuster, Curling 
  • 2026 Erin Jackson, Speedskating; Frank Del Duca, Bobsled