Speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been named the flag bearers for Team USA at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This historic selection highlights their remarkable achievements and backgrounds, as both athletes have made significant contributions to their respective sports.
Erin Jackson, 33, etched her name in history as the first Black woman to secure an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics. She will become the eighth U.S. speedskater to carry the American flag into the Olympic opening ceremony, representing not just herself but also her family, teammates, and fans across the nation. Jackson expressed her gratitude for this honor, emphasizing that it reflects the broader impact of sport in inspiring communities and connecting individuals.
Frank Del Duca, a 34-year-old bobsledder and sergeant in the Army, brings a deep connection to Italy, with three of his four grandparents hailing from the country. His selection as flag bearer marks a momentous occasion, as he will be the first bobsledder to carry the flag into an opening ceremony in 70 years. Del Duca noted the importance of this opportunity, especially considering his Italian-American heritage and the Olympic Games being held in his family’s ancestral homeland. This personal significance adds another layer to his pride in representing the U.S.
This year’s opening ceremony is set to be unique, marking the first time the Olympics will feature events spread across multiple cities, including Milan, Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The widespread nature of the events will surely bring a festive atmosphere to various locations, engaging audiences from different parts of Italy.
Del Duca, who made his Olympic debut in Beijing, shared that participating in the upcoming Games feels particularly special given the context of representing his country while honoring his family’s Italian roots. He recalled how much his grandparents loved both Italy and the United States and imagined the excitement they would feel about the competition.
As the Winter Olympics approaches, the representation of Jackson and Del Duca as flag bearers symbolizes more than athletic excellence; it underscores the rich cultural narratives and personal histories that athletes bring to the Olympic stage, embodying the spirit of unity and shared competition among nations.