Pita Taufatofua of Team Tonga lead his team out during the Opening Ceremony while shirtless and covered in oil.
Flag bearers Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua of Team Tonga lead their team out during the Opening Ceremony.
Hannah McKay – Pool/Getty Images)
  • Tokyo celebrated the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics on Friday night.
  • Shirtless Tongan Pita Taufatofua once again made an oiled-up entrance bearing his country's flag.
  • It's the third straight Olympics at which Taufatofua has represented his country.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Tokyo Olympics officially began on Friday with the opening ceremony, and one familiar superstar was once again ready to shine.

Tonga's Pita Taufatofua, better-known by some as the "shirtless Tongan," marched into Japan National Stadium carryign his country's flag proudly.

Taufatofua first became a sensation at the 2016 games in Rio, where he made his debut as his country's first taekwondo Olympian.

Less than two years later, Taufatofua delighted fans again, making a surprise return at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang as a cross-country skiier. Despite the cold, Taufatofua was once again shirtless.

Now in 2021, Taufatofua is still shirtless, and still ready to represent his country.

That said, this year, Taufatofua was not without competition.

Rower Rillio Rio Rii of Vanuatu made his own show-stopping entrance this year.

There's a lot that is different about Tokyo 2020. They're actually happening in 2021. There's no fans. And the threat of COVID-19 still lurks for athletes hoping to compete at the highest level.

With so many questions, it's nice to know that we can count on Taufatofua to deliver.

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