It’s been eight years since Pita Taufatofua became an overnight celebrity after going shirtless while carrying Tonga’s flag at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, but if you’re looking for him to reprise his role for a fourth opening ceremony we’ve got some unfortunate news.
Pita is not in Paris.
It’s a bummer not to have him take part in the Olympics this year, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Taufatofua attempted to qualify in both Kayak and Taekwondo, but missed out in both events.
He seems to be taking it all in stride, however, posting on Instagram that he feels for the small Tongan team that won’t get to experience the Olympics.
“Sorry Paris, the five gallons of extra virgin coconut oil I’ve been stock piling ‘may’ have to wait,” Pita wrote.
A true loss for all of us.
