Olympic fans were surprised to see Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua in a more dressed-up look at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, ditching his signature shirtless appearance. Taufatofua, who gained fame for his oiled-up, shirtless look in past Games, decided to button up due to rainy weather this time around.
Despite not qualifying to compete in the Paris Olympics, Taufatofua announced that he would still be heading to Paris as a flag bearer. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be of service to his fellow athletes and share his experiences with them.
Taufatofua, who has competed in both Summer and Winter Olympics, failed to qualify for Paris but embraced the chance to participate in a different capacity. He reflected on his journey and the lessons learned from his defeats, expressing excitement to support and encourage his fellow Olympians.
While some fans may have missed his shirtless look, Taufatofua’s decision to take on a new role at the Paris Olympics shows his commitment to the spirit of the Games and his dedication to serving and supporting his fellow athletes.