Speed skating champion Erin Jackson has been tapped to lead Team USA at Friday's 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The 33-year-old Ocala, Florida native shares flag-bearing duties with bobsledder Frank Del Duca, after her teammates voted her into the prestigious role.
Jackson made history in 2022, becoming the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Games. After capturing the 500-meter speed skating title in Beijing, she returns to defend her crown while also competing in the 1,000-meter event.
Milan will host the main Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium, with simultaneous celebrations across Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The ceremony will make history by lighting two Olympic cauldrons, with one in Milan and another in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
In a pre-ceremony interview, Jackson spoke about the significance of representing her country, saying the honor goes beyond than one individual. As an Olympic flag bearer, she feels she's standing in for her family, teammates, hometown, and everyone who believes in the power of sport. And she takes pride in being an inspiration to aspiring Black athletes around the world.
After retirement, the three-time Olympian plans to start an organization helping young Black speed skaters pursue their dreams. She stressed that representation is crucial, discussing how winter sports have historically lacked diversity. She now sees herself as someone trying to change the game.
Jackson will join Team USA in wearing a Ralph Lauren-designed uniform on Friday, becoming the ninth US speed skater to carry the Olympic flag. She follows her longtime friend Brittany Bowe, who served as flag bearer at Beijing 2022.
What time is the Milano-Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The Olympics opening ceremony starts at 2 PM ET, live on Peacock.
Afterwards, NBC will air a primetime encore with special coverage at 8 PM ET.
