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The “Shirtless Tongan” Flag Bearer Did Not Appear at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022- Here’s the Noble Reason Why

Published 02/04/2022, 11:15 AM EST

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There are many athletes who become legends in sporting competitions with their achievements. Some break world records, while others win medals for their country. However, Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua is one of the legends of the Olympic Games. Arriving shirtless during the Winter Olympics, he sent social media into a frenzy with his physique.

Nobody had seen a person who came up to the opening ceremony shirtless, oiled up, proudly representing his nation’s rich and varied heritage. He became famous across the world and appeared in the 2018 Winter Olympics, as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But he is taking a break this year for a noble cause.

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Pita Taufatofua won’t attend Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

After a devastating volcanic eruption, the Tongan athlete won’t make it to this year’s Winter Olympics. Pita is an inspiration for all because of the talents he possesses; he is a taekwondo specialist while also being a cross-country skier.

However, the recent tsunami from the volcanic eruption needs to be attended to as Pita is helping his country rise from its ruins. The talented athlete took to Instagram to give out details of not appearing for the Olympics.

“Right now I have another task that calls me, I must answer,” he wrote in the caption.

“Too many people who are hungry for me to not be focused there… What the Olympics stands for is more than just sport, and so I feel there’s some level of Olympic effort that we’re doing now anyway,” said Pita.

Putting his country ahead of personal glory, he certainly deserves respect for what he is doing. The Olympics official Instagram page replied to his post and acknowledged him for showing the Olympic sporting spirit.

“Showing us the best of the Olympic spirit, Pita!”

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Taufatofua will be missed at the Beijing Olympics

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An environmentalist himself, the Tongan sensation is focused on helping his country overcome the adversities faced by the volcanic eruption. His last appearance was during the Tokyo Olympics, where he represented his country. But, he decided to take a back seat for this year’s Olympics. The Winter Olympics began with a terrific opening ceremony and Pita was sorely missed.

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An inspiration to all, Pita Taufatofua is a legend in his own way.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the center the respect he deserves.
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