Olympics fans hoping to see Tonga nationwide heartthrob Pita Taufatofua in his signature opening ceremony uniform – or lack thereof – have been dissatisfied on Friday when the nation’s viral flag bearer was sporting a extra dressed up look.
Taufatofua, who has competed in each the Summer season and Winter Olympics, turned a fan favourite for his shirtless, oiled-up look in past Games.
Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua, of Tonga, carry their nation’s flag throughout the opening ceremony within the Olympic Stadium on the 2020 Summer season Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Hannah McKay/Pool Photograph by way of AP)
However wet climate appeared to trigger Taufatofua to button up for this Olympics’ opening ceremony.
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“I didn’t acknowledge him, he had his shirt on,” Corridor of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning joked throughout NBC’s broadcast of the Parade of Nations. “Paris child oil was stocked full this week.”
Taufatofua competed in Taekwondo within the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2016 Rio Video games. He additionally competed in cross nation snowboarding within the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang.
Regardless of qualifying for 3 Video games, Taufatofua introduced in April that he had failed to take action for Paris.
Peta Taufatofua carries a flag of Tonga throughout the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Friday, February 9, 2018. (AP Photograph/Jae C. Hong, File)
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“This time my workforce and I fell wanting competing on the Paris Olympics. I gave my absolute all the things in each the Kayak and Taekwondo qualifiers however missed out on a qualification,” he stated in a submit on Instagram.
“I am not kneeling in disappointment. In actual fact I could not be happier. I am kneeling to offer because of God for delivering our workforce safely by means of one other competitors. Its straightforward to ask for issues whenever you want one thing, however a lot more durable to offer thanks for issues after they do not go your approach.
However earlier this week, Taufatofua introduced that he can be headed to Paris in spite of everything as a flag bearer.
The delegation of Tonga arrives forward of the floating parade initially of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Video games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Clodagh Kilcoyne – Pool/Getty Pictures)
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“Life is fascinating. After lacking out on the Olympic qualifiers, my objective was to give attention to different areas of life. I had been defeated in battle with extra scars added to the trophy cupboard, however I could not have been happier.
“Whereas not competing, the spirit of the Video games referred to as me, alternatives arose and I couldn’t say no. This time the medal I battle for is to be of service, to be there for my fellow athletes, an ear of help or a voice of encouragement. To share what I’ve learnt and, extra importantly, to listen to the tales of the opposite Olympians, these wonderful human beings on the point of symbolize their nations.”
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