A group of 10 American Olympians who are also members of the U.S. military were honored by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on April 17. The athletes, all part of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), participated in the recent Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. U.S. bobsledder Frankie Del Duca, the flag bearer for Team USA, expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared insights about his dual role as an infantryman and athlete. Other honorees included skeleton athlete Kelly Curtis and Air Force bobsledder Jasmine Jones, who won a bronze medal in Cortina. Jones highlighted the pride of representing the U.S. and the strong unity within the WCAP team during her service.
Why It Matters
The World Class Athlete Program is significant as it allows military personnel to compete at high levels in sports while serving their country, promoting both athletic excellence and military pride. This dual commitment supports the U.S. military’s outreach and community engagement through sports, particularly during times of conflict. Recognizing Olympians at the Pentagon also reinforces the connection between athletic achievement and national service, fostering a sense of patriotism. As military members compete internationally, they represent the U.S. on global platforms, enhancing the visibility of both the armed forces and American values.
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