The medal I’m fighting for is for the Paris Olympics

Fan favourite Tonga flag bearer Pita Taufatofua will return to the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday 26 July.

Taufatofua first captured global attention at the Rio Olympics eight years ago, wearing traditional Tongan clothing, with his chest covered in paint and holding the Tongan flag. He did so again at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and the Tokyo 2021 Winter Olympics.

Although he will not be competing in the Paris Olympics this year, Taufatofua announced on social media that he missed out on qualifying for the Olympics but felt compelled to participate. “The spirit of the Olympics is calling me,” he said. “This time, the medals I am fighting for are to serve the athletes, to serve my teammates, to support or encourage everyone.”

“My runners have been dusted off, my shirts are two sizes smaller and our small team is ready to serve,” Taufatovya added.