Frank Del Duca is Named as Olympic Flag Bearer for Team USA
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by Abby Slenker
CORTINA, ITALY (February 3, 2026) — USA Bobsled Pilot Frank Del Duca has been named Team USA’s Male Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Del Duca will join Erin Jackson, USA Speedskating legend, as Flag Bearer as they step into the Opening Ceremony waving the American flag in front of the world - marking the beginning to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
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.
Del Duca, who is headed into his second Olympic Games, has been involved in the sport of bobsled for over a decade, after competing in his first bobsled race in 2015.
The 34-year-old from Bethel, Maine is a father of two and a member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), with an athletic background in soccer, track and field, alpine ski racing, and baseball.
“Being Flag Bearer for Team USA is an incredible honor. It was also quite the surprise! I'm grateful for the support from my teammates, coaches and staff, Team USA, US Army WCAP, family and friends, and everyone who has helped me on this journey. With the Olympics 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 at an Italian Olympics. 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,” shared Del Duca about his nomination.
To wrap up yesterday’s Team Meeting at the Cortina Olympic Village, USA Bobsled head coach Chris Fogt delivered the surprise news to Del Duca, surrounded by his Olympic teammates and coaching staff.
“It’s an honor for Frank to be nominated as a Team USA Flag Bearer. He epitomizes the Olympic ethos and works tirelessly to be the best athlete and teammate,” shared Fogt.
“Being selected as a Flag Bearer for the USA delegation is an extraordinary achievement, and we could not be more proud of Frank. This moment reflects his leadership, character, and the respect he has earned. Everyone at USABS is excited for him and thrilled to see him represent Team USA on this stage,” shared USA Bobsled/Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire.
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.
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About USA Bobsled & Skeleton
USA Bobsled & Skeleton (USABS) is the national governing body for bobsled and skeleton in the United States, responsible for training, developing, and supporting athletes from development to elite levels of competition. For more information, visit USABS.com, or follow the team’s journey on Instagram: @USABS, Facebook: USABS, and TikTok: @usabobsledskeleton
