Delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, the extended-anticipated Tokyo Olympics lastly got underway on Friday. And Tonga’s oiled up and shirtless flag bearer made a grand entry when once more for the duration of the Parade of Nations. Pita Taufatofua, who had marched in conventional Tongan attire for the duration of the Rio Summer Olympics (2016 ) and PyeongChang Winter Olympics (2018) opening ceremonies, delighted the Internet with his look but once more.
Mr Taufatofua, a Taekwondo practitioner and skier, had turn out to be an overnight sensation when he walked out carrying the Tongan flag in the previous two Olympics.
The sight was a relief for Olympics fans waiting desperately for the Games to start. The Olympics Twitter account shared photos of the excited Tongan player. Referring to the tradition he has maintained, it mentioned, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Rio 2016 ✅
PyeongChang 2018 ✅
Tokyo 2020✅If it ain’t broke, do not repair it. ???? #OpeningCeremony#Tokyo2020pic.twitter.com/wEN8eg08YW
— Olympics (@Olympics) July 23, 2021
Despite wearing a mask, Mr Taufatofua could be quickly recognised and quickly soon after he walked the parade wearing a ta’ovala, Twitter customers went berserk with praise and excitement for him. A user recommended the Games had been more than for him and as the Tongan player has won it.
Just give him the gold medal currently!
— Sophia lorenz (@Sophialorenz9) July 23, 2021
Another individual mentioned she abruptly desires to move to Tonga soon after seeing the Taekwondo player.
I abruptly want to move to Tonga #OpeningCeremonypic.twitter.com/nUvp35nJuv
— Mona (@Mona_TZK) July 23, 2021
Me when the shirtless Tonga flagbearer shows up pic.twitter.com/FifLVNyFrs
— Logan (@Logan_McQ) July 23, 2021
presently searching for direct flights to #tonga#OpeningCeremonypic.twitter.com/rFpnIDg47w
— mobes (@_mobes) July 24, 2021
Let’s be truthful, this is the only cause we all watch the #OpeningCeremony#Olympics#Tokyo2020#Tonga#Olympicpic.twitter.com/pneLp7pMON
— RossanaF ???? (@RossanaF) July 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/RossanaF/status/1418752097391058951
Mr Taufatofua walked the Parade of Nations alongside Malia Paseka. Both of them will be participating in the taekwondo occasion for the duration of the Tokyo Olympics. It appears he had been arranging to do this considering the fact that last year. He had then mentioned on his Instagram account, “Looks like we’re going to need more coconut oil – Tonga is going to Tokyo.”
The 37-year-old will be participating in the men’s 80-kg plus category in the taekwondo occasion. His very first contest is slated for Monday against Vladislav Larin of Russia.