We the Italians’ Ambassador in the Washington State is Randy Aliment, successful lawyer, is the Chair of the Board of Directors of USA Bobsled | Skeleton. His grandparents were born, raised and married in Piedmont, immigrating to Seattle in 1905.

Randy worked with Abby Slenker, Digital Media & Communications Manager of USA Bobsled | Skeleton, to give us the opportunity of telling our readers about two young Italian American athletes who will compete in at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.

As the Winter Olympic Games approach, athletes worldwide prepare to shine on the global stage. For some U.S. bobsledders, however, if chosen this journey would represent more than Olympic ambition - it would be a celebration of heritage and a personal homecoming.

Frankie Del Duca: Carrying Family Pride

Frankie Del Duca, a U.S. bobsled pilot who competed in the 2022 Winter Games, embodies the rich heritage of Italian Americans.

"My grandparents' family on my father's side came from Lanzo and later Naples, Italy (Del Duca), as well as Palermo, Sicily (DePrimo). My grandparents' family on my mother's side (D'Alessio) came from Naples as well. They traveled to Ellis Island, ready to chase the American Dream. The Del Duca family went into construction in Brooklyn, and the D'Alessio family started a trucking business in New Jersey,” Del Duca shared.

“There is a great deal of pride in being Italian American. We carry on the family names, traditions, and lessons. I'm inspired by how hard my relatives worked, their struggles as immigrants, and their perseverance. If my family ever asks how bobsled is going, it's always followed by, ‘How are the Italians doing?’"

Emily Renna: Honoring Heritage and Chasing Dreams

Emily Renna, a push athlete competing in 2-Woman Bobsled at the World Cup level, shares a deep connection to her Italian roots.

“Being Italian (I'm half!) is really special to me because I grew up with some Italian customs [like Sunday dinner] and have really appreciated learning more about it over the years. As my grandmother has gotten older, she's shared more stories with my dad, who shares them with me. My grandmother doesn't speak great English, so my dad translates, although I hope to become fluent one day as well. Additionally, I've never been to Italy but definitely plan on going one day and hope the Olympics gets to bring me there too!” she shared.

Renna’s family history is rich with resilience. Her grandfather, Vincenzo Renna, born in 1919 in Monopoli, Apulia, Italy, owned a tailor shop during World War II, accepting food and goods as payment, which he shared with neighbors. He came to the U.S. in 1951 to visit his brother in New York City and was recruited by Hickey Freeman. He settled in Rochester, New York, where he built a new life.

Her grandmother, Angela Ciccolella-Renna, was born in 1926 in Formia, Lazio, Italy, a farming region devastated by the war. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1952 and worked as a seamstress at Hickey Freeman and later at Kodak. Today, her family’s farming business in Italy provides work and shelter for refugees.

Renna’s grandfather’s brother also had a remarkable story. He played for Torino Football Club before World War II and served as a paratrooper in the Italian Army. After being captured by English forces, he was recognized by soccer players among the soldiers, who ensured he was treated well. He later immigrated to the U.S. and settled in California.

For these athletes, Milano Cortina 2026 represents more than competition. It’s a celebration of family legacies, resilience, and the enduring spirit of their Italian heritage—bringing their journey full circle.