In a remarkable intersection of sports and military service, Frank Del Duca is gearing up to compete in the Milan Cortina Olympics as a member of Team USA’s bobsled team. Del Duca, an Army sergeant, has transformed his life through both his athletic pursuits and military career. He is one of six competitors representing the U.S. in the Winter Games while being part of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which supports soldier athletes in balancing their military obligations with Olympic training.
From Basic Training to Bobsledding
Del Duca’s journey into bobsledding began with an unexpected leap into the sport. His first experience in a bobsled was filled with anticipation. He recalls gripping the frame tightly, bracing for what he imagined would be a chaotic ride. In a similar vein, his preparation for Army basic training involved a serious level of mental readiness, influenced by friends’ warnings about the rigorous lifestyle of an infantryman. Despite the initial fears, both experiences have shaped him into the determined athlete he is today.
As one of two flag bearers for Team USA during the opening ceremony, Del Duca expressed pride in representing his country, especially given his family’s Italian heritage. Competing in his second Olympics, he aims to improve on his performance from the 2022 Beijing Games, where he finished 13th in both the two-man and four-man events.
Del Duca’s commitment to training is evident; he is stationed at Lake Placid, New York, the training headquarters for USA Bobsled and Skeleton. There, he balances military responsibilities with the goal of winning gold for the United States. He acknowledges that his experience in the Army has provided him with valuable skills such as leadership, accountability, and time management, all of which contribute to his success in bobsledding.
Adrenaline and Ambition
Growing up, Del Duca was drawn to various action sports, including skateboarding, BMX, and skiing. His passion for adrenaline-fueled activities led him to push boundaries, whether it was jumping ramps or navigating skate parks. After a serious injury at a young age—a broken leg from an ambitious jump—he did not shy away from risks, a mindset that now serves him well in the high-speed world of bobsledding.
Del Duca’s entry into bobsledding followed a successful track career at the University of Maine, where he excelled in the long jump and sprinting events. A recommendation from a coach led him to a bobsled combine, where he quickly fell in love with the sport’s combination of speed and teamwork. His transition from a push athlete to a pilot marked a significant new chapter in his athletic journey.
He describes bobsledding as an exhilarating experience, noting the thrill of racing down icy tracks at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. “I love the adrenaline component,” he stated. “That respect for the danger of the sport makes you feel alive.” His passion for the sport is matched by the rigorous demands of military life, which further strengthens his mental toughness.
Del Duca’s commitment to his dual roles has garnered respect within the military and his sporting community. Army Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, a former Olympic bobsledder and current coach, emphasizes the synergy between military training and bobsledding, highlighting the discipline required in both fields. The Army benefits from the WCAP by fostering elite athletes while also providing them with stable careers.
As Del Duca prepares for the upcoming competitions, he remains focused on the goal of bringing home a medal for his country. With the next Olympic Games scheduled for Salt Lake City in 2034, he hopes to pave the way for future bobsledders while cherishing the legacy of his service and sport. His journey exemplifies the merging of athleticism and commitment to duty, inspiring both his teammates and the broader community.
