The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has officially named speed skater Erin Jackson as one of the two flag bearers for Team USA at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The ceremony will mark the official start to the highly anticipated Olympic Winter Games.
Jackson, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal and an Olympic speed skating medal, will lead the American delegation at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6. Boobsledder Frank Del Duca’ll join her during the ceremony as co-flag bearer.
According to the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, Jackson was voted to be a flagger by her teammates at Team USA.
In a statement, Jackson expressed her gratitude to be chosen for the prestigious honor.
“Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” Jackson said. “It’s a moment that reflects far more than one individual – it represents my family, my teammates, my hometown, and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport. The Olympics remind us of the power of sport to connect and inspire, and I’m proud to carry that forward on the Olympic stage.”
“We are honored to announce Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland added. “Being chosen by their fellow athletes is a powerful reflection of the respect they’ve earned through their leadership, commitment, and the way they represent Team USA every day. 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.”
Competing in her third Olympic Winter Games, Jackson is defending her title in the 500 meters after winning the gold medal at Beijing 2022. She’ll also be competing in the 1,000 meters as well. Although she has been facing a series of injuries, Jackson has been a force to be reckoned with in her sport. She’s won back-to-back World Cup titles in the distance during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons and gold medals at the 2024 and 2025 Four Continents Championships.
Jackson joins a celebrated list of Black Olympians who have been selected as flag bearers for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Sprinter Rafer Johnson became the first African American to carry the U.S. flag in an Olympic opening ceremony, doing so at the 1960 Rome Games. Evelyn Ashford, a Gold Medal-winning sprinter, was the first Black woman to carry the flag. Peter Westbrook (1992 Closing), Dawn Staley (2004 Opening), Lopez Lomong (2008 Opening), Bryshon Nellum 2012 (2012 Closing), Elana Meyers Taylor (2022 Closing), Brittany Bowe, Simone Biles (2016 Closing), Coco Gauff, and LeBron James (2024 Opening) have all been flag bearers.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan, beginning at 8 p.m. local time on NBC and Peacock. And stay tuned here at EBONY.com for more behind-the-scenes access and deep dives on the Winter Games.