Milan, February 3, 2026
Erin Jackson to Make History as First Black Woman to Carry U.S. Flag at Winter Olympics
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Speed skater Erin Jackson will co-lead Team USA into the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, a historic moment for both the athlete and American sports.
- Speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been selected as Team USA’s flag bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal in speed skating, was chosen by a vote of her fellow Team USA athletes.
- The Opening Ceremony will take place on February 6 at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
- Jackson joins a distinguished group of Black Olympians who have carried the U.S. flag, including Rafer Johnson, Evelyn Ashford, and Simone Biles.
Erin Jackson is set to make history once again, this time as one of the two athletes chosen to carry the U.S. flag during the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced the honor on Saturday, February 3, naming Jackson alongside bobsledder Frank Del Duca as the pair to lead Team USA into the highly anticipated games.
A Teammate’s Choice
Jackson, who captivated the world in 2022 by becoming the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal – and an Olympic speed skating medal, period – was selected for the prestigious role by a vote of her fellow Team USA athletes, according to the Team USA Athletes’ Commission. Del Duca will join her at the ceremony on Friday, February 6.
“Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,” Jackson said in a statement. “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.”
USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland echoed Jackson’s sentiments, stating, “We are honored to announce Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca as the flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony. 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.”
Defending Her Title
As she prepares for her third Olympic Winter Games, Jackson is focused on defending her gold medal in the 500 meters, which she won at Beijing 2022. She will also compete in the 1,000 meters. Despite facing recent injuries, Jackson has demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing back-to-back World Cup titles in the distance during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, as well as gold medals at the 2024 and 2025 Four Continents Championships.
Continuing a Legacy
Jackson’s selection adds her name to a celebrated list of Black Olympians who have carried the U.S. flag. Sprinter Rafer Johnson was the first African American to receive the honor, leading the American delegation at the 1960 Rome Games. Evelyn Ashford, a Gold Medal-winning sprinter, followed as the first Black woman to carry the flag. Other notable Black flag bearers include Peter Westbrook (1992 Closing), Dawn Staley (2004 Opening), Lopez Lomong (2008 Opening), Bryshon Nellum (2012 Closing), Elana Meyers Taylor (2022 Closing), Brittany Bowe, Simone Biles (2016 Closing), Coco Gauff, and LeBron James (2024 Opening).
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. local time at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
