(Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Gold-medal winning speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will carry the American flag and lead the U.S. delegation in the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Olympics on Friday.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee made the announcement Tuesday after Jackson and Del Duca were selected by their fellow athletes of Team USA. The U.S. contingent consists of 232 athletes.

'Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor,' Jackson said in a news release. '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.'

Jackson, a 33-year-old from Ocala, Fla., will be competing in her third Winter Olympics. She will attempt to defend the gold she won in 2022 in Beijing in the 500-meter race and also is scheduled to compete in the 1000m.

Del Duca, 34, also took part in the Beijing Games, with his sled finishing 13th. His best finish is fourth at the 2025 world championships. From Bethel, Maine, Del Duca is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and stationed in Lake Placid, N.Y., which has hosted two Winter Olympics.

He is part of the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program.

'Being flag bearer for Team USA is an incredible honor,' Del Duca said. 'With the Olympic Games being held in Italy, it means even more. Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent. 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.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Milano San Siro Olympics Stadium in Milan, Italy, on Friday. NBC and Peacock will show it live on Friday at 2 p.m. ET, then return with primetime coverage at 8 p.m.--Field Level Media