While it was similar to the costume worn in the Summer Olympics in 2016, the difference in Friday’s ceremony was the conditions. Taufatofua carried the flag shirtless, in flip-flops, in about 25 degree weather. That’s before the wind chill.
In Rio’s Summer Games, Taufatofua competed in tae kwon do, but lost in his first match. In the Pyeongchang Olympics, he’s a cross-country skier.
While the temperature was below freezing, Taufatofua did receive a warm welcome, especially on social media where comments went something like this:
Another slick entrance: Bare-chested Tongan flag-bearer Pita Taufatofua slides into Pyeongchang https://t.co/a7it2ivJb1 pic.twitter.com/OnqvDA5rbc
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 9, 2018
From Rio to Pyeongchang...
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 9, 2018
The climate may change, but Pita Taufatofua remains the same! #bbcolympics #openingceremony #winterolympics pic.twitter.com/kg6hH8BCSb
SHUT IT DOWN TONGA#OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/rdRj5jcSn6
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 9, 2018
Credit: Pool
Credit: Pool
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