Milan Cortina 2026 Honors Three NCAA Alums in Opening Ceremony

The NCAA will be present at one of the most iconic sporting events, the Parade of Nations, as the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games formally begin on Friday.

Former University of Maine track and field star Frank Del Duca was chosen by his fellow American athletes to be one of Team USA’s flag bearers. Former Tulane track and field student-athlete Jared Firestone will carry the flag for Israel. North Texas will be represented by former track and field athlete Kellie Delka.

Three former student-athletes from the NCAA. Three distinct flags. Two distinct sports. One common theme: Track and field, in particular, helped lay the foundation for a moment that would be seen globally.

Here is a rewritten, original version of your content with natural, human-style storytelling and no AI-style wording. It keeps the facts but presents them in a fresh, genuine way.

Frank Del Duca: From Maine Long Jumper to Olympic Flag Bearer

Frank Del Duca’s athletic journey began quietly at the University of Maine, where he joined the track and field team as a walk-on. Through steady work and commitment, he earned a leadership role as team captain and captured an America East championship in the long jump. Alongside his athletic success, Del Duca completed his degree in kinesiology and physical education.

In 2015, after finishing college, Del Duca took an unexpected turn into bobsled. His background in speed and power translated quickly to the ice, and he soon found himself competing at the highest level. He made his Olympic debut in Beijing, racing in both the two-man and four-man events for Team USA.

Now preparing for his second Olympic appearance, Del Duca has been given one of the sport’s highest honors: leading the U.S. team into the Opening Ceremony as flag bearer. Stationed in Lake Placid, New York, as a U.S. Army sergeant, he will become the first American bobsledder in seven decades to carry the flag on the Olympic stage.

Del Duca credits much of his success to his college experience and the coach who first introduced him to sliding sports. He often reflects on the demanding training sessions that shaped his mindset.

“Those hard practices are some of my favorite memories,” he told the NCAA. “They helped make me who I am today. I’m grateful to my teammates for everything. This moment belongs to all of us. Go Black Bears.”

Jared Firestone: Tulane Sprinter Turned Olympic Skeleton Racer

Jared Firestone’s road to the Winter Olympics began on the track at Tulane University. From 2008 to 2012, he was a key member of the Green Wave sprint team, consistently posting the program’s fastest 100-meter times and leading the squad in the 200 meters during two seasons. His dedication also earned him Conference USA Honor Roll recognition every year.

After graduating, Firestone pursued a law degree. During his first semester, he experienced a minor stroke, forcing him to step away from school and focus on recovery. While watching the 2014 Winter Olympics during that period, he became fascinated by the sport of skeleton.

What started as curiosity soon became a new career path. Firestone committed himself to learning the sport and eventually qualified to represent Israel in men’s skeleton at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. His achievement makes him the first known Tulane graduate to compete in a Winter Olympics.

Firestone believes his Tulane training laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

“My work habits started there,” he said in a university feature. “Early morning lifts, classes, and tough workouts in the heat taught me how to push through fatigue. That same mindset helps me train, raise funds, and race down ice tracks at top speed.”

Kellie Delka: From North Texas to Puerto Rico’s Olympic Team

Kellie Delka’s athletic foundation was built at the University of North Texas, where she competed as a pole vaulter. During her time in Denton, she balanced her track career with her role on the North Texas cheer team and completed a degree in kinesiology.

Her introduction to skeleton came through a familiar college connection. As she prepared to graduate, Delka noticed a post from former UNT athlete and Olympic bobsledder Johnny Quinn promoting a USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation combine in McKinney, Texas. She decided to attend, opening the door to a new sport.

That decision led her down an uncommon path. Delka eventually relocated to Puerto Rico to help develop its winter sports program and earn eligibility to compete internationally. Often working with limited resources, she managed travel, training, and expenses largely on her own—tasks typically handled by larger national programs.

At the 2026 Winter Games, Delka will represent Puerto Rico in skeleton for the second consecutive Olympics, continuing a journey built on determination and self-belief.

Despite her global travels, Delka says North Texas remains close to her heart.

“I’ll always feel connected to UNT,” she shared in a recent interview. “That time shaped me as an athlete and a person. I miss it every day and sometimes wish I could go back and do it all again.”

Where to watch the Opening Ceremony of Milan Cortina

The Opening Ceremony will be streamed on Peacock and covered by NBC. On Friday, February 6, live coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET and ends with a primetime presentation on Peacock and NBC at 8 p.m. ET.