When Team USA kicks off its participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics later this week, a Maine bobsledder will be one of the two athletes carrying the American Flag.
Frank Del Duca, a bobsledder from Bethel, was chosen alongside speedskater Erin Jackson to serve as Team USA flag bearers at Friday’s opening ceremony in Milan.
Jackson and Del Duca were chosen by their fellow Team USA athletes, according to an announcement from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
“Being flag bearer for Team USA is an incredible honor,” Del Duca said in a Tuesday press release. “It was also quite the surprise. I’m grateful for the support from my teammates, coaches and staff, Team USA, U.S. Army WCAP, family and friends, and everyone who has helped me on this journey.”
Del Duca, 34, graduated from Telstar High School in Bethel and was on the track team at the University of Maine, where he won an America East title in the long jump. A former assistant track coach at UMaine, Dave Cusano, was a member of the 2004 U.S. bobsled team who encouraged Del Duca to consider the winter sport, according to past Bangor Daily News reporting by Ernie Clark.
Jackson is an Olympic gold medalist speedskater from Florida.
“We are honored to announce Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” said U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland. “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.”
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in both Milan and the Italian mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The location of this year’s games makes the experience even more special for Del Duca.
“With the Olympic Games being held in Italy, it means even more. Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent,” Del Duca said in the press release. “There is no greater honor than leading Team USA into the Opening Ceremony in Italy. It feels like a bridge between my family’s heritage, and the country I’m so proud to serve.”
Del Duca is a sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Friday’s opening ceremony will take place at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan. There will be live coverage on NBC and Peacock starting at 2 p.m. EST.