Pita Taufatofua became an Internet sensation when he carried the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Pita Taufatofua became an Internet sensation when he carried the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
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Covered in coconut oil and in traditional dress, it was a personal nod to his ancestors of 200 years ago.
Covered in coconut oil and in traditional dress, it was a personal nod to his ancestors of 200 years ago.
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But the combination of the taekwondo fighter's oil and physique set off a social media storm.
But the combination of the taekwondo fighter's oil and physique set off a social media storm.
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It was his first appearance at the Olympics, having failed to qualify on two previous occasions. Taufatofua lost his preliminary bout against Iran's Sajjad Mardani (R) in the +80 kg category.
It was his first appearance at the Olympics, having failed to qualify on two previous occasions. Taufatofua lost his preliminary bout against Iran's Sajjad Mardani (R) in the +80 kg category.
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He says he is not yet done with his Olympic ambitions, and is instead bidding to qualify for the 2018 Winter Games as a cross-country skier.
He says he is not yet done with his Olympic ambitions, and is instead bidding to qualify for the 2018 Winter Games as a cross-country skier.
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The 33-year-old has swapped the sand for snow even though he admits he has spent only four minutes of his life on skis.
The 33-year-old has swapped the sand for snow even though he admits he has spent only four minutes of his life on skis.
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His decision to strip down and cover himself in oil led to passionate responses from his fellow athletes inside Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Stadium.
His decision to strip down and cover himself in oil led to passionate responses from his fellow athletes inside Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Stadium.
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Since then his life has been a blur, from appearing on the Harry Connick Jr. Show to being mobbed on returning to his native Tonga.
Since then his life has been a blur, from appearing on the Harry Connick Jr. Show to being mobbed on returning to his native Tonga.
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Based in Australia, he has his sights set on getting in shape for wintry climes, with his first skiing lesson scheduled for January 8, 2017.
Based in Australia, he has his sights set on getting in shape for wintry climes, with his first skiing lesson scheduled for January 8, 2017.
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