On February 4, 2026, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) officially announced the athletes chosen to carry the American flag during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Long track speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will lead Team USA into the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony on February 6 — a prestigious honor reflecting their achievements and stature within U.S. winter sport.
Historic and Symbolic Selections
Speedskater Erin Jackson has been named one of the flag bearers — a significant recognition in her pioneering career. Jackson made history at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics by becoming the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history in the 500m speed skating event. Her selection highlights her status as a leading figure in U.S. winter sports and a role model for aspiring athletes nationwide.
Joining her in this honor is Frank Del Duca, a veteran American bobsledder and U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program member. Del Duca competed previously at the 2022 Winter Olympics in both the two‑man and four‑man bobsled events, placing fourth in each and narrowly missing out on a medal. His dual role as an elite athlete and servicemember adds further depth to the symbolic nature of his flag‑bearing duties.
Being named a flag bearer is one of the highest honors given to Olympic athletes, recognizing not only competitive excellence but also sportsmanship, leadership, and the capacity to represent national values on a global stage. Flag bearers lead their country’s delegation into the stadium, often energizing both athletes and fans with their presence.
Team USA at Milano Cortina 2026
The 2026 Winter Games, officially the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, will take place from Feb. 6 to 22, 2026, featuring athletes from around the world in 16 different winter sports disciplines. The U.S. delegation this year is notable for its size and diversity, with 232 athletes — 117 men and 115 women — making it the largest Winter Olympic team in U.S. history. This roster includes a mix of seasoned Olympians and new competitors across events such as figure skating, alpine skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating.
Team USA’s flag bearers, along with the rest of the delegation, will compete across a wide range of disciplines at venues in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This marks the 25th Winter Olympic appearance for the United States and comes at a time when global audiences are increasingly tuning in to winter sport competition.
Significance of the Announcement
The flag bearer announcement serves several key functions in the buildup to the Winter Olympics:
- Recognition of Excellence: Being chosen as a flag bearer is a prestigious honor that acknowledges the athlete’s success, influence, and embodiment of national athletic values. For Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca, it reflects sustained high performance and leadership within their respective sports.
- Inspirational Impact: Flag bearers often become touchstones for broader Olympic narratives. Jackson’s historic achievements resonate with fans and aspiring athletes, particularly in underrepresented communities in winter sports. Del Duca’s military service combined with athletic excellence underscores the diverse backgrounds of Team USA competitors.
- Team Unity and Morale: The selection of flag bearers plays a symbolic role in team cohesion. Both athletes are viewed as respected peers among their teammates, making them fitting representatives at the forefront of one of the largest U.S. Winter Olympic delegations ever assembled.
- International Visibility: As the U.S. team enters the stadium during the opening ceremony, Jackson and Del Duca’s leadership reflects the country’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and the Olympic spirit — fostering positive international engagement through sport.
Looking Ahead to February 6 and Beyond
The flag‑bearing announcement on February 4 heralds the official start of widespread international attention on the 2026 Winter Olympics. As the opening ceremony approaches, media coverage and fan anticipation will grow, focusing on expectations for Team USA’s performance and individual athlete stories.
Once competition begins on February 6, audiences around the United States and worldwide will have the opportunity to follow Team USA’s journey across various events — from speed skating and skiing to hockey and snowboarding — with Jackson, Del Duca, and their fellow athletes aiming to make their mark on the Olympic medal tally.
Key Takeaways from February 4, 2026:
- Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca were named flag bearers for the U.S. at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, spotlighting their athletic achievements and leadership roles.
- The U.S. Winter Olympic team of 232 athletes is the largest in history, showcasing depth and diversity across winter sports.
- The flag bearer announcement builds momentum ahead of the Olympics, encouraging national pride and global engagement with the upcoming Games.
This announcement underscores the importance of the Olympic tradition in American sport and sets the stage for a memorable month of competition as the world turns its attention to Italy for the Winter Games.
