TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 23: Flag bearers Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua of Team Tonga lead their team out during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hannah McKay - Pool/Getty Images)
Tonga’s flag bearer, fan-favorite Pita Taufatofua, returned to the Olympics again shirtless with a traditional Tupenu, which is akin to a kilt.
Viewers first noticed Taufatofua when he walked in the 2016 Rio Olympics sporting the same traditional ensemble, oiled-up chest and all. There, he explained that he wore the Tupenu and oil in honor of his Oceanian culture. Taufatofua reappeared for the opening ceremony of the 2018 winter games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where he competed in the cross-country skiing event.
There was a difference this year, though. The Taekwondo competitor donned a mask with red markings alongside all the other athletes, a reminder that the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics are being held during a state of emergency.
Fans, however, were eager to see the flag bearer’s return, taking to Twitter to share their excitement.
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