LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Frank Del Duca finds himself empowered with a tangible connection to the legacy of U.S. bobsledding legend Steven Holcomb. Following Holcomb’s passing, some of his sled-tuning tools were passed down to Del Duca, perhaps carrying a touch of the former champion’s magic.
Sunday marked a significant moment for Del Duca as he equaled his best placement in a major international competition by securing fourth place in the two-man world championship at the renowned Mount Van Hoevenberg track, the home turf for USA Bobsled. While the German competitors maintained a stronghold on the podium, with Francesco Friedrich clinching victory, followed by Johannes Lochner and Adam Ammour completing a sweep of medals, Del Duca was hot on their heels throughout.
Reflecting on the race, Del Duca, paired with Charlie Volker, expressed his eagerness for a podium finish, missing out on the bronze by a margin of less than a quarter-second. “I really wanted a medal,” Del Duca remarked, acknowledging where time was lost. He noted the relentless excellence expected to challenge the formidable German teams, emphasizing how close his squad is becoming in contending with their European counterparts.
Currently the pilot for USA-1, Del Duca holds the position as the top prospects in men’s bobsledding for the United States as the countdown to the Olympics begins, now just 11 months away. His track record includes top-10 finishes in 14 out of 17 World Cup two-man events, and two consecutive top-five appearances at world championships, inching ever closer to tasting success on the grand stage.
“It would be nice to end that 1-2-3 German streak,” commented Kris Horn, another U.S. pilot. “They’re still ahead of us, but we’re closing in fast.” Del Duca and Volker consistently grabbed fourth place across all heats over the weekend in Lake Placid, evidence of their burgeoning potential.
“This experience has invigorated all of us, proving that we’re contesting against the top talents globally,” Del Duca stated. “It’s a reminder that we belong among the elite, with aspirations of finally securing a medal and delivering a stellar performance for our supporters.”
Del Duca’s journey in bobsledding mirrors a rich tradition of soldiers transition into elite bobsledders. His involvement with the U.S. Army and its World Class Athlete Program has been instrumental in fostering U.S. talent. Proudly donning the U.S. colors as both a soldier and an athlete, Del Duca acknowledges the dual honor.
“It truly stands as one of the greatest honors bestowed upon me,” Del Duca shared. “I am deeply thankful for it, seeing it as both a privilege and a duty—to embody the values of my country, my team, my family, and everyone who has supported me on my journey.”
