Tongan rugby player qualifies for Winter Olympics as luge racer

He later re-emerged bearing the name of his sponsor in a marketing ploy that

generated controversy, particularly among competitive luge nations.

The German media has exposed various dubious claims by Mr Banani, including

his claim that his father is a coconut farmer (he is not), though there is

slightly more credence to Mr Banani’s claim that he took up the sport to try

to impress a local princess.

Actually, Mr Banani took up the sport after a “casting” session

following a public call for lugers to fulfil a dream of Princess Pilolevu

Tupou – but the event was staged by the marketing firm. The Tongan Luge

Association also has slightly dubious origins and was reportedly set up only

three months ago with the princess as its patron.

Nonetheless, Mr Banani is now set to compete at Sochi and will enter the

stadium in a specially-created national uniform; it will be designed by his

sponsor.

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24947184

Tongan rugby player qualifies for Winter Olympics as luge racer