CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Frank Del Duca’s journey to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics is marked by remarkable preparation, both in bobsledding and military life. When Del Duca first took to the bobsled, he braced himself for the chaos he expected, recalling his anxiety while preparing for Army basic training, where he feared he might have to survive in the wild. In a reflective moment, he admitted these experiences weren’t as terrifying as he had imagined, yet his meticulous approach to preparation has made him a valued member of Team USA.
Selected as one of two flag bearers for the opening ceremony, Del Duca’s roots in Italy give this honor a personal significance. This is his second Olympics, where he hopes to improve on his previous results, racing in both the 2-man and 4-man events. He is one of six athletes on Team USA participating in the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which enables Army personnel to compete in Olympic sports while maintaining their military careers.
Stationed in Lake Placid, N.Y., as a Sergeant, Del Duca embraces his mission to win gold for the United States. Although he didn’t initially aspire to join the military or pilot a bobsled, his journey through sports began through various action disciplines like BMX and skateboarding. His passion for thrill-seeking and pushing limits naturally led him to bobsledding after a career in college track.
Del Duca’s athletic career began at the University of Maine, where he transitioned from long jump champion to bobsledder when he attended a bobsled combine on a recommendation. The sport appealed to him due to its combination of speed, teamwork, and the technical aspects of working on the sled itself.
He faced challenges in competing and training, having missed the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics but later transitioning from a push athlete to a pilot. The integration of military discipline and athletic training within WCAP is evident, as both require mental toughness and attention to detail.
Bobsledding, often conducted in extreme conditions, mirrors the demands of military life. Del Duca appreciates the leadership and accountability skills he has learned through his service, asserting these lessons directly benefit his performance on the track.
With WCAP continuing to support soldier athletes, the program is a source of pride not just for Del Duca but for the military community, which values the representation of service members on international stages. Del Duca’s journey—balancing the honor of serving his country and representing Team USA—reflects a commitment that resonates deeply with his family legacy.
As he prepares for his competitions, Del Duca is hopeful about the potential of winning a medal, which could reinvigorate interest in bobsledding in the lead-up to the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. His determination and positive outlook fuel not only his aspirations but also serve as an inspiration for fellow athletes and military personnel pursuing their dreams.