16 hours ago
5
Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca person been chosen arsenic the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremonial connected Friday.
Jackson is the archetypal Black pistillate to triumph an idiosyncratic golden medal astatine a Winter Olympics. Del Duca, a sergeant successful the Army, is the archetypal bobsledder successful 70 years to transportation the U.S. flag. Jackson and Del Duca were selected by a ballot of chap Team USA athletes.
"Being chosen to correspond the United States connected the satellite signifier is simply a tremendous honor," Jackson said. "It's a infinitesimal that reflects acold much than 1 idiosyncratic – it represents my family, my teammates, my hometown, and everyone crossed the state who believes successful the powerfulness of sport."
Erin Jackson of United States competes during the women's 1000 meters astatine the World Cup speedskating lawsuit successful Inzell Germany, connected Jan. 24, 2026.
Matthias Schrader / AP
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced the names connected Tuesday.
Del Duca, with heavy Italian roots, finds the accidental particularly meaningful arsenic the games are successful Italy.
"With the Olympic Games being held successful Italy, it means adjacent more," Del Duca said. "Nearly everyone successful my household is of Italian descent. There is nary greater grant than starring Team USA into the Opening Ceremony successful Italy. It feels similar a span betwixt my family's heritage, and the state I'm truthful arrogant to serve."
Frank del Duca, aviator of the fourth-place United States team, waves to fans aft the 4-man bobsled lawsuit astatine the bobsled satellite championships, March 15, 2025, successful Lake Placid, N.Y.
Seth Wenig / AP
The opening ceremonial volition beryllium unique, with events dispersed crossed respective Italian cities.
Jackson becomes the eighth U.S. speedskater successful past to gain the grant of Team USA emblem bearer, portion Del Duca becomes the sixth bobsledder to transportation the flag.
In:
English (US) ·