Tonga shirtless flagbearer Pita Taufatofua not competing in Paris [Video]

WASHINGTON — The Tongan flag bearer who went viral for his shirtless appearances at the Summer and Winter Olympics made it to the Paris Games after all, but he won’t be competing this time around. 

Back in April, the three-time Olympian announced on social media that he fell short of qualifying for the Paris Olympics in kayak and taekwondo. 

“Sorry Paris, the five gallons of extra virgin coconut oil I’ve been stock piling ‘may’ have to wait,” he wrote in his post. 

“This time the medal I fight for is to be of service, to be there for my fellow athletes, an ear of support or a voice of encouragement,” Taufatofua wrote on Instagram. “To share what I have learnt and more importantly to hear the stories of the other Olympians, …