OAN Staff Sophia Flores
2:13 PM – Friday, February 6, 2026
Team USA arrived at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony ready to chase gold, make history, and showcase the nation’s top athletes on the world’s biggest stage.
From Milan, Italy, the United States sent its largest-ever Winter Olympic delegation, with 232 athletes competing at the Milan-Cortina Games. The historic total marks the most athletes the U.S. has ever fielded at a Winter Olympics. Canada follows with 211 athletes, while host nation Italy has 195 and Germany 189.
Team USA entered the opening ceremony in custom outfits by Ralph Lauren — a quintessentially American fashion designer and brand — while Vice President JD Vance and his family watched from the stands.
Team USA was led into the opening ceremony by its male and female flag bearers, reflecting balanced representation. Three-time Olympian and 500-meter Olympic gold medalist Erin Jackson carried the flag for the women, while bobsledder Frank Del Duca represented the men.
Both athletes were chosen by their teammates.
“It’s a really big honor and I’m super grateful, especially about being chosen by my teammates,” Jackson stated during a news conference, prior to the opening ceremony. “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.”
“Being flag bearer for Team USA is an incredible honor,” Duca also added in a statement. “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. 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.”
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