Team USA has chosen its leader for the grand parade in Milan. Olympic champion speed skater Erin Jackson will carry the American flag. She will co-lead the delegation with bobsledder Frank Del Duca at the Opening Ceremony. This peer-voted honor highlights her incredible stature among fellow athletes.
A Peer-Voted Honor for an Olympic Icon
Jackson earned this role through a vote by her teammates. The Team USA Athletes’ Commission managed the selection process. This makes the honor especially meaningful. It comes directly from the respect of her Olympic peers.
USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland praised the choice. She said both athletes embody team excellence and unity. Their leadership and commitment stood out to other Team USA members. This peer recognition is a powerful testament to their character.
Erin Jackson’s Historic Speed Skating Career
Jackson is defending her 500-meter gold medal from the 2022 Beijing Games. She made history there as the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold in speed skating. This 2026 appearance will be her third Olympic Winter Games.
Despite recent injuries, her dominance continues. She has won back-to-back World Cup titles. She also secured gold at the 2024 and 2025 Four Continents Championships. Jackson remains a formidable force on the ice.
Carrying the Flag for Family and Country
Jackson shared a heartfelt statement about the selection. “Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” she said. She sees the moment as bigger than herself. It represents her family, teammates, and hometown.
She also reflected on the Olympic spirit. “The Olympics remind us of the power of sport to connect and inspire,” Jackson added. She feels proud to carry that message forward. Her role is about unity and national pride.
Joining a Legacy of Distinguished Flag Bearers
Jackson now joins an elite group of Black Olympians who have carried the flag. Sprinter Rafer Johnson was the first African American to do so in 1960. Evelyn Ashford was the first Black woman with the honor.
This lineage includes stars like Dawn Staley and LeBron James. Recently, Elana Meyers Taylor and Brittany Bowe held the role. Jackson’s selection continues this proud tradition of exemplary athletes.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 8 p.m. local time on February 6. It will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock from Milan’s San Siro stadium. All eyes will be on Erin Jackson as she leads Team USA into the Games.