While the 2026 Winter Olympics started Wednesday, the Opening Ceremony took place Friday in Italy. The U.S. flag bearers were speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca. Jackson, 33, is a three-time Olympian and the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 500 meters.

Along with Canada, Team USA is one of just two countries that have won gold in women's ice hockey since the event was added to the Olympics in 1998. The Americans won that inaugural year in Nagano, then endured four straight Canadian victories until 2018, when Team USA struck back with a dramatic overtime win to capture gold in Pyeongchang.

The United States Vice President and his wife, Usha, attended the opening ceremony in Milan on Friday evening.

These 16 athletes will be showing off their skills and athleticism on the ice in hopes of landing a place on the podium at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

A deep U.S. Figure Skating roster can contend across all disciplines, but the nation won't have an easy path to gold.

Mary Carillo, who will be working her overall 17 th Olympic Games and 14 th with NBCUniversal, and NBC Sports critically acclaimed commentator Terry Gannon will co-host the event, with three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White joining the broadcast booth during the Parade of Athletes. For more details on tonight’s broadcast, click here.

Team USA announced two flag bearers for the second consecutive Winter Games

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