“This time the medal I’m fighting for is to be useful,” said Pita Taufatofua
Pita Taufatofua, the famous ‘Besuntado de Tonga’, announced this Friday 19, through social media, that he will be present at the Olympic Games in Paris. The 40-year-old athlete had an uncertain presence at the event after failing to qualify for the taekwondo and canoe competitions, sports for which he participated in the trials.
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While he hasn’t said exactly what his role will be in France, the iconic character has said he will compete for the “useful medal” in the City of Lights. Committed to social causes, he says the initial plan was to take advantage of the moment to write a book and focus on other projects.
“After losing the Olympic qualifiers, my goal was to focus on other areas of life. […] But there is my project and there is the life project. […] While I wasn’t competing, the spirit of the Games called to me, opportunities presented themselves, and I couldn’t say no. This time, the medal I’m fighting for is to be of service, to be there for my fellow athletes, a sympathetic ear or a voice of encouragement. By sharing what I’ve learned, and most importantly, by listening to the stories of other Olympians, these incredible human beings preparing to represent their nations. […]”, Published.
Born in Australia, Taufatofua grew up in Tonga and has represented the country in his sporting life. The fighter competed in taekwondo at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, as well as competing in cross-country skiing at the PyeongChang Winter Games in 2018.
Aside from his athletic achievements, the boy has become famous for his presence at the openings of events. Flag bearer of his delegation in Rio de Janeiro and Japan, Taufatofua earned the nickname Smeared from Tonga for wearing only a small local costume with his body covered in body oil.
Source: Terra
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