Shirtless in South Korea!

Pita has done it again. Having been shirtless for Rio 2016, Tonga's flagbearer braved the cold to go bare-chested at the Opening Ceremony for PyeongChang 2018.

The Taekwondo player-turned-cross country skier surprised everyone by getting out the coconut oil once more before entering the freezing Olympic Plaza topless.

Speculation had been rife in the build-up over what the 34-year-old would wear.

But few expected him to repeat his performance of two years ago that captured the world's attention and pretty much broke the internet. Surely not at a Winter Games?

However, Taufatofua is a man to be reckoned with.

Viral sensation

With only a traditional Tongan tapa cloth skirt to protect him against the elements in PyeongChang, Pita entered the arena. And instantly became a viral sensation for the second time.

His mental determination to battle against elements and adversity is not in doubt.

After all, just getting to South Korea was an achievement in itself.

Taekwondo to cross country skiing

Having represented his country at Rio 2016 in Taekwondo, Pita put his mind on being present at PyeongChang 2018. His chosen sport: cross country skiing.

An incredible challenge for a man that had not seen snow until two years ago.

But the Pacific Islander somehow managed to find a way - making it to his second Olympics through a last-ditch qualifying event in Iceland.

His dream had been realised. The opportunity to get those glistening pecs out once more had arrived.

He will now take part in the 15km freestyle cross country skiing event in PyeongChang on February 16th.

Even Pita might put on a shirt for that.

Cross Country Skiing

Chasing his dream - Pita Taufatofua learns to cross-country ski

Chasing his dream - Pita Taufatofua learns to cross-country ski

Cross Country Skiing

Chasing his dream - Pita Taufatofua learns to cross-country ski

Swapping the dojang for the slopes, we follow taekwondo Olympian Pita Taufatofua as he tries his hand at cross-country skiing, ahead of competing at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.Hailing from the sun-kissed island of Tonga, this – the sub-zero temperatures, thick snow and alpine landscapes – is a bit of a change for Taufatofua. But he’s determined to take on the new challenge and chase his dream of qualifying for the next Winter Olympics. With a competition just a few weeks away – and only three days of experience on the snow to his name – there’s still plenty for this athlete to learn.Downhill skiing usually consists of short, sharp bursts of speed, whereas cross-country skiing is completed over longer distances. Although speed is essential in cross-country competitions, it’s more of a marathon than a sprint.Originating from the need to travel across snow-covered landscapes, cross-country is the oldest form of skiing. Although it emerged for practical reasons – mainly hunting and gathering wood – it became a sport at the end of the 19th century and is now recognised as one of the most cardiovascular-intense disciplines out there.In cross-country skiing you propel yourself across large distances, racing your competitors to the finish line and using your strength and stamina to keep the pace high. Athletes stride out on lightweight, thin skis and cover a range of flat, uphill and downhill terrains across distances of up to 50km.There are a range of cross-country ski races to watch during the Olympics. From 10km relays to the 50km endurance race, the discipline takes on many forms, which all make for exciting viewing.Watch this video to find out how Tauatofua took to the snow before his Winter Olympics debut, where he finished 114th in the men’s 15km cross-country skiing race.