Team USA Selects Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as Flagbearers for Milan Cortina Olympics
A Historic Honor for Two Exceptional Athletes
The United States has announced its flagbearers for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony, and the selections represent a beautiful blend of groundbreaking achievement and deep personal connection to the host nation. Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will lead Team USA into the ceremony on Friday, carrying not just the American flag but the hopes and dreams of their fellow athletes and countless supporters back home. The two athletes were chosen through a democratic process—a vote by their fellow Team USA competitors—making this honor even more meaningful as it represents the respect and admiration of their peers. This will mark the third Olympic Games for Jackson and the second for Del Duca, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their sports and their country throughout their athletic careers.
Erin Jackson: Breaking Barriers and Making History
Erin Jackson’s selection as flagbearer is particularly significant given her historic achievements in winter sports. She made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics, a breakthrough moment that transcended sports and resonated with people around the world. Her journey to Olympic glory has been nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating not only extraordinary athletic talent but also the perseverance and determination required to excel at the highest level of international competition. Jackson’s presence at the front of the American delegation sends a powerful message about representation, diversity, and the evolving landscape of winter sports.
When speaking about her selection, Jackson expressed both humility and pride, acknowledging that this moment extends far beyond her individual achievement. “Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” she said, capturing the weight and significance of the responsibility she’s been given. Her words reflect a deep understanding that she doesn’t stand alone in this moment—she carries with her the support, sacrifices, and dreams of countless others. “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,” Jackson continued, demonstrating the grace and perspective that have characterized her journey both on and off the ice.
Frank Del Duca: Bridging Heritage and Service
For Frank Del Duca, being selected as flagbearer holds special significance that goes beyond the typical honor of representing one’s country at the Olympics. As a sergeant in the Army, Del Duca embodies the spirit of service that has long been associated with Olympic competition, representing not just athletic excellence but also dedication to something greater than oneself. His military service adds another layer of meaning to his role as flagbearer, symbolizing the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Additionally, Del Duca makes history as the first bobsledder in seventy years to carry the U.S. flag at an Olympic opening ceremony, reviving a tradition and bringing recognition to his sport.
What makes this moment even more poignant for Del Duca is the location of these Winter Games. With the Olympics being held in Italy, his selection takes on deeply personal significance rooted in his family heritage. “With the Olympic Games being held in Italy, it means even more,” Del Duca explained, his words carrying the emotion of someone who sees this as a convergence of multiple aspects of his identity. “Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent. There is no greater honor than leading Team USA into the Opening Ceremony in Italy,” he continued. For Del Duca, this represents what he beautifully describes as “a bridge between my family’s heritage, and the country I’m so proud to serve.” It’s a rare and special moment when an athlete gets to represent their country in the land of their ancestors, and Del Duca’s genuine appreciation for this opportunity is evident in his heartfelt statements.
A Legacy of Speedskating Excellence
Erin Jackson joins an elite group of American speedskaters who have been chosen for the prestigious role of flagbearer. She becomes the eighth U.S. speedskater in history to earn this honor, following in the footsteps of legendary athletes who have represented American speedskating on the world stage. This tradition highlights the sport’s importance in American winter Olympic history and the consistent excellence that U.S. speedskaters have demonstrated over the decades. Jackson’s selection also carries particular poignancy given recent Olympic history. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, fellow speedskater Brittany Bowe stepped in as a replacement flagbearer when bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor tested positive for COVID-19 and couldn’t participate in the opening ceremony as originally planned. Meyers Taylor eventually got her moment at the closing ceremony of those Winter Games, but the situation highlighted the unpredictable nature of Olympic competition and the importance of flexibility and teamwork.
Now it’s Jackson’s turn to have her moment at an opening ceremony, and circumstances have aligned to make it happen. Her journey to this point has been one of consistent improvement, strategic preparation, and unwavering focus on her goals. The speedskating community has long been a cornerstone of American winter sports success, and Jackson’s presence as flagbearer ensures that tradition continues while also pushing it forward in new and inclusive directions. Her selection represents not just her individual achievements but also the progress being made in diversifying winter sports and creating opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds to excel and be celebrated.
Bobsledding Returns to the Spotlight
Frank Del Duca’s selection as flagbearer also represents a significant moment for the sport of bobsledding. As the sixth bobsledder to carry the U.S. flag and the first in seven decades to do so at an opening ceremony, Del Duca brings renewed attention to a sport that requires extraordinary teamwork, precision, and courage. Bobsledding has long been one of the most exciting and unpredictable winter Olympic sports, combining split-second timing with powerful athleticism and the constant element of danger that comes with hurtling down an icy track at tremendous speeds. Del Duca’s achievement in reaching the Olympics and earning the respect of his fellow athletes speaks to his dedication and skill in this demanding sport.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee made the announcement on Tuesday, giving Del Duca and Jackson several days to prepare for their moment in the spotlight while also focusing on their upcoming competitions. For Del Duca, who has deep roots in the bobsledding community and has worked his way up through the ranks while also serving his country in the military, this recognition validates years of early mornings, intense training sessions, and sacrifices made both by him and his support system. The fact that his fellow athletes voted for him demonstrates the respect he’s earned not just through his performances on the track but through his character and leadership off it as well.
Looking Ahead to a Unique Opening Ceremony
The Milan Cortina Olympics promises to deliver a unique opening ceremony experience, with events spread across several Italian cities rather than concentrated in a single location. This format reflects both the geographical realities of the host region and a desire to showcase more of what Italy has to offer to the world. For Jackson and Del Duca, this means they’ll be leading Team USA into a ceremony that breaks with tradition in its format while maintaining the timeless spirit of Olympic competition—athletes from around the world coming together in peaceful competition, representing their nations with pride while also celebrating our shared humanity.
As Friday’s opening ceremony approaches, both flagbearers have expressed their awareness of the responsibility they carry and their determination to represent their country with dignity and pride. They understand that for those few moments when they lead the American delegation into the ceremony, they embody the aspirations of not just the athletes behind them but also the millions of Americans watching from home, the young athletes dreaming of their own Olympic moments, and everyone who believes in the transformative power of sports. Jackson and Del Duca, through their different paths and different sports, have both demonstrated that with dedication, perseverance, and support from others, remarkable achievements are possible. Their selection as flagbearers is a celebration of their individual journeys while also recognizing that they represent something larger—the enduring American Olympic spirit and the diverse, determined nation they’re proud to represent on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
