Olympic speedskating champion Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been selected as the flag bearers for Team USA’s delegation at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Jackson, who won gold in the women’s 500 meters in Beijing in 2022, will be back to defend her title and compete in the 1,000 meters as well. This will mark her third Olympic appearance.
‘Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,’ Jackson said in a news release. ‘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.’
Del Duca − a sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in Lake Placid, New York − made his Olympic Winter Games debut in Beijing, and has been in the sport for over a decade. He is part of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).
‘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.’
Jackson and Del Duca were chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes, and their selection was announced Tuesday, Feb. 3, by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Jackson becomes the eighth speedskater in history to earn the honor of Team USA flag bearer, while Del Duca becomes the sixth bobsledder to carry the flag.
The opening ceremony will be held Friday, Feb. 6 at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan.
It will be broadcast live Friday on NBC and Peacock beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Primetime coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.