At the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, Team USA will be led by speed skater Erin Jackson and Italian American bobsledder Frank Del Duca, a pairing that reflects excellence across two very different winter sports.
From that moment on, however, the spotlight turns squarely to Italian American Del Duca, whose selection as a flagbearer represents a rare and meaningful honor. Chosen by fellow athletes, he becomes one of the very few American bobsledders ever entrusted with carrying the flag at a Winter Games opening ceremony. The choice recognizes not only his results on the ice but also his leadership and standing within Team USA.
Del Duca’s path to the Olympics has been anything but conventional. Raised in Maine, he first built his athletic foundation through strength and speed sports before finding his place in bobsled. Alongside his sporting career, he serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program, balancing elite competition with military duty. That dual role has shaped his reputation as a disciplined, resilient athlete who thrives under pressure.
The Olympics in Italy add an extra layer of meaning to the moment. Del Duca has often spoken about his Italian roots, and marching into the stadium with the American flag in a country tied to his family history makes the experience deeply personal. It is a symbolic meeting point between heritage and national pride, played out on the biggest stage in winter sports. "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.
On the track, Del Duca remains focused on performance. After narrowly missing the podium in recent international competitions, his goal is clear – help push the U.S. bobsled program back into medal contention. The flagbearer role, he has said, is an honor he carries with humility, not a distraction from competition.
“Being selected as a Flag Bearer for the United States delegation is an extraordinary honor, and we could not be more proud of Frank. This recognition speaks to his leadership, integrity, and the respect he has earned throughout the sport. Everyone at USA Bobsled/Skeleton is incredibly excited for him and honored to see him represent Team USA on this international stage,” said Italian American Randy Aliment, the Chairman of the USA Bobsled/Skeleton Board of Directors, also We the Italians Ambassador in the Washington State.
