Shirtless Tongan Pita Taufatofua Finishes His Cross-Country Ski Olympic Event

Pita Taufatofua

Pita Taufatofua, who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Taekwondo and in the last year learned cross-country skiing in 2017 to compete in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, finally ran his race today.

Exalting that he "finished the race and didn't ski into a tree," the handsome Tongan gratefully accepted his 114th place finish in the men’s 15KM Free, which wasn’t last!

Pita finished 23 minutes behind gold medal winner Dario Cologna, but ahead of Sebastian Uprimny of Colombia and German Madrazo from Mexico.

In case you missed it, check out my report on Pita's incredible journey to the Winter Olympics here.

Two days ago, Pita shared his strategy with USA Today, “First step, finish before they turn the lights off. That’s number one. Don’t ski into a tree. That’s number two."

On Instagram, Pita posted the photo above with this message:

"Couldn’t be happier! Got my best time, finished the race and didn’t ski into a tree! But more importantly, I got to share the experience with all our friends from the other exotic countries who never gave up! Soo much respect to them, the medalists and all athletes from around the world who represented their countries with pride"

Pita had this inspiring message for his home country:

Pita Taufatofua, the shirtless Tongan flag bearer, is the true embodiment of the Olympic spirit ❤️ #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Vi1zrqwZX9

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 16, 2018

Couldn’t be happier! Got my best time, finished the race and didn’t ski into a tree! But more importantly I got to share the experience with all our friends from the other exotic countries who never gave up! Soo much respect to them, the medalists and all athletes from around the world who represented their countries with pride!

A post shared by Pita Taufatofua (Pita T) (@pita_tofua) on Feb 16, 2018 at 5:58am PST

Pita was at the finish line to cheer his friend German Madrazo to the end:

Because he is my friend....

A post shared by Pita Taufatofua (Pita T) (@pita_tofua) on Feb 16, 2018 at 9:42am PST

Not many people saw how hard he fought for the privilege to be called an Olympian. I did, I was there everyday watching and fighting with him. He spoke highly of his love for his family, for his maker and for his Country. I have so much respect for this man. #Mexico #Family @german_madrazo

A post shared by Pita Taufatofua (Pita T) (@pita_tofua) on Feb 16, 2018 at 9:55am PST