The Team USA flag bearers are from Florida. Meet Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca
Who says Florida can’t represent at the Winter Games?
Not us, because these local athletes are proof that just because you’re born in the Sunshine State doesn’t mean you’re no good in the snow and on the ice.
Speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been tapped to lead Team USA during the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Team USA named Jackson and Del Duca as Team USA’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers on Tuesday with an exclusive announcement on “TODAY.”
Jackson and Del Duca were chosen through a vote of fellow Olympic teammates led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission. Jackson will be the eight U.S. speed skater to serve as an Olympic flag bearer, while Del Duca is the sixth bobsledder to receive the honor.
Erin Jackson
Straight out of Ocala, Olympic speed skaters Erin Jackson is looking to put Florida on the map in Milan Cortina.
Jackson, a 33-year-old from Ocala, Florida, will make her third Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina. She made history at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Games, placing first in the women’s 500m.
Now, Jackson will look to defend her 500m crown while also competing in the 1,000m.
Frank Del Duca
Frank Del Duca is a boblsed driver who was born in Fort Lauderdale and was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2022 in Beijing.
Del Duca, 34, is in the U.S. Army and part of its World Class Athletes Program. He is also a fanatic for speed, being part of a motor club local to him. Watch him speak with NBC Boston here.
Del Duca and speed skater Erin Jackson have been tapped to lead Team USA during the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
“Erin and Frank embody the values of excellence and unity that define our Olympic Team, and we’re proud to have them lead Team USA onto the world stage,” U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement.
How to watch the Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, Feb. 6. Milan’s San Siro Stadium will serve as the main site, but there will be events across several Italian cities for the ceremony.
Live coverage of the 2026 Olympics Opening Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on Friday, Feb. 6, on NBC, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Primetime coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
For more on how to watch, go here.
