Sports
Pita Nikolas Taufatofua is the first taekwondo Olympian from the Polynesian country
Updated : Sep 30, 2017, 08:04 AM IST
The 31st Summer Olympic Games were launched amid the fanfare of Samba dancing, fireworks, and cheerful light show. But one thing that nearly broke the internet was bare-chested, glistening with shapely torso, flagbearer for Tonga Pita Nikolas Taufatofua.
The 32-year-old taekwondo player wore nothing but traditional Tongan mat called Ta'ovala, flip-flops, and a killer smile to lead the contingent from his country at the Macarana Stadium in Rio on Friday night.
1. Pita Nikolas Taufatofua is Tonga's first Olympic taekwondo athlete
2. He was born in Australia but grew up in Tonga
3. He tried to qualify for Olympics two times before. Third time is the charm!
4. Pita works for Sandgate House in Brisbane. He helps homeless children develop independent living skills
5. He will compete in men's 80kg+ category on Saturday, August 20.
Tonga: OUR FLAG BEARER IS BETTER THAN YOUR FLAG BEARER! pic.twitter.com/MSElHCun69 — Steve Politi (@StevePoliti) August 6, 2016
Just booked my flight to #Tonga. #OpeningCeremony — Rob Molla-Schofield (@RobMolla) August 6, 2016
Tonga's flagbearer was so oily, countries are looking to invade him #OpeningCeremony — Katja (@applessquabble) August 6, 2016
And thank you to the flag bearer from Tonga for bringing attention to #Taekwondo at the Olympics! :D :D #PitaTaufatofua — Harp Twins (@CamilleKennerly) August 6, 2016
Kids: "Mom, where are we going for spring break?"
Me: "Tonga"
#Tonga — Kate (@Wishful_wink) August 6, 2016
And you thought you were having a good night... #Tonga #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/mhDqQODgsM — Getty Images Sport (@GettySport) August 6, 2016
Moving to #Tonga. Bye. #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/SlaULLqt81 — Cara Chiaramonte (@iamcarac) August 6, 2016