THE 2026 MILAN-CORTINA Games will kick off on February 6, bringing together athletes from various nations in a celebration of sportsmanship and competition. Among the participants, the U.S. Bobsled team stands out not only for their athletic prowess but also for the unique background of some team members, many of whom serve as active-duty soldiers.
The Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is instrumental in supporting these soldier-athletes in their pursuit of excellence on both national and international stages. This year’s Milan-Cortina Games will feature six members of the US Army competing in various events, including Sergeant Frank Del Duca, a bobsled pilot. He joins forces with Lieutenant Colonel Chris Fogt, a three-time Olympian and silver medalist, who now coaches the USA Bobsled team.
According to Del Duca, the WCAP offers more than just physical training. He was recently named the Flag Bearer for Team USA and speaks highly of the program’s impact: “I’ve gained invaluable insights into teamwork and discipline from my Army superiors, who have rich experiences in both sports and military service. Their mentorship has been crucial for my growth both on and off the ice.”
Del Duca and Fogt recently discussed their rigorous training methods with MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S, highlighting the dangers of bobsleigh training and considering the sport’s reputation as a “second-chance” opportunity for many athletes.
Bobsledding is an intriguing blend of physics and raw power, requiring athletes to gain momentum through explosive strength. “Pushing a bobsled is a special type of sprint,” Del Duca explains. “It transforms from a resisted sprint into an assisted sprint, since you’re pushing a 400-pound sled on flat ice. Within the first five seconds, we need to generate an immense amount of power before the sled is sent downhill, hitting speeds of up to 97 miles per hour.” He adds that the experience can be intense: “If you crash or hit a wall at such speeds, it’s akin to being struck by a vehicle.”
Del Duca recalls achieving a peak speed of around 97 miles per hour during the Whistler World Championships in 2019, describing the thrilling yet perilous nature of the sport.
Curious about what a bobsled training session involves? Fogt clarified a common misconception: “Contrary to what you might’ve seen in a film like Cool Runnings, we don’t practice in bathtubs. Instead, our training resembles that of football players.”
“We prioritize speed, power, and strength in that order,” Fogt continues. “Merely being fast won’t suffice if you can’t move the sled effectively, just as being strong alone won’t cut it without the technique.”
In addition to physical training, the WCAP emphasizes a holistic approach that includes sleep quality, nutrition, and mental preparedness. Fogt shares, “The program significantly elevated my performance. I was already training hard, but integrating proper sleep, nutrition, and mental strategies made a game-changing difference.”
For more in-depth fitness insights from Samuel and other experts featured on our Strong Talk podcast, explore all the episodes here.
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is the associate health & fitness for Men’s Health and has previously written for CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic before joining the brand. When she’s not working, she’s doing circus arts or working towards the perfect pull-up.
### Conclusion
As we anticipate the excitement of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, the stories of athletes like Frank Del Duca and Chris Fogt remind us of the hard work, discipline, and teamwork that underpin elite sports. Their journey is a testament to the importance of a balanced approach to training, which encompasses physical strength, mental readiness, and the right support system. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or simply looking to enhance your fitness, consider incorporating these insights into your routine. Embrace the journey and remain committed to your goals!
