Olympic Games fans Those hoping to see Tonga's national heartthrob Pita Taufatofua in his trademark opening ceremony uniform (or lack thereof) were left disappointed on Friday when the country's viral flag-bearer sported a more dapper look.
Taufatofua, who has competed in the Summer and Winter Olympics, became a fan favorite for his shirtless and oiled-up looking from past Games.
Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua of Tonga carry their country's flag during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium for the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
But the rainy weather seemed to force Taufatofua to buckle down for the opening ceremony of these Olympic Games.
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“I didn't recognize him, he had the jersey on,” the Hall of Fame quarterback said. Peyton Manning he joked during NBC's broadcast of the Parade of Nations. “This week, Paris had a full stock of baby oil.”
Taufatofua competed in taekwondo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2016 Rio Games. She also competed in cross-country skiing at the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang.
Despite having qualified for three Games, Taufatofua announced in April that she had not been able to make it to Paris.
Peta Taufatofua carries a Tongan flag during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Friday, Feb. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
THE OPENING CEREMONY GIVES A WINK TO THE HEADLESS MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MÉNAGE À TROIS RECEIVES DIFFERENT REACTIONS
“This time, my team and I were unable to compete at the Paris Olympics. I gave my all in the kayak and taekwondo qualifiers, but failed to qualify,” she said in an Instagram post.
“I'm not on my knees in disappointment. In fact, I couldn't be happier. I'm on my knees to thank God for allowing our team to get through another competition without any problems. It's easy to ask for things when you need them, but it's much harder to give thanks for things when they don't go the way you expected.
But earlier this week, Taufatofua announced that he would be travelling to Paris as a flag bearer after all.
The Tongan delegation arrives before the float parade at the start of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Clodagh Kilcoyne – Pool/Getty Images)
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“Life is interesting. After missing out on qualifying for the Olympics, my goal was to focus on other areas of life. I had been defeated in battle and had added more scars to my trophy case, but I couldn't have been happier.
“When I wasn't competing, the spirit of the Games called to me, opportunities arose and I couldn't say no. This time, the medal I'm fighting for is to be of service, to be there for my fellow athletes, to be a supportive ear or a voice of encouragement. To share what I've learned and, most importantly, to listen to the stories of other Olympians, those incredible human beings preparing to represent their nations.”
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