During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, there was a Today Show segment that, while it was meant to excite viewers and be somewhat playful, kind of frightened everyone involved on one level or another.
Tongan “Heartthrob of the Olympics” Pita Taufatofua was basically manhandled (and womanhandled) by the entire cast of the show as they poured and slathered coconut oil all over his body. While he is one sexy fucking beast, the exchange was just too far out there for any of us to really enjoy - talking to you, Al Roker.
It seems Pita’s time isn’t up yet, either. In 2016 he competed in the Taekwondo tournament in Rio, but was eliminated pretty quickly by Iranian Sajjad Mardani once the score escalated to 16-1.
Good news, though. Pita is returning for the Winter Olympics this year in PyeongChang, South Korea. On January 20, Pita qualified to compete as a cross-country skier in Iceland, just one day before the official qualification cut-off. He is also the first cross-country skier from Tonga to ever reach the Winter Olympics.
"This is a miracle," he told Olympic Channel.
Taufatofua used a GoFundMe page to help raise money more than $16,000 for ski equipment and travel expenses as he traveled across Europe to compete."I decided to find the hardest sport possible because I needed a new challenge,'' he said. "The goal was to do it in one year and we did it. Financially, I'm in the worst position ever, but I'm the happiest ever. There's nothing special about me, other than I don't quit. Anyone can be that person."
No word on whether or not he’ll be sporting that same Opening Ceremony ensemble, but I sure hope so.