Olympics: Tongan luger Bruno Banani exposed as a hoax

Telegraph - UK ^ | February 1, 2012 | Amy Willis

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Reminiscent of film Cool Runnings, Bruno Banani, the son of a Tongan coconut farmer, was destined to slide into the history books as Tonga's first Olympic competitor in the sport.

[snip]

A German underwear company was helping the 24 year-old fulfil his lifelong ambition with sponsorship due to an odd coincidence – he bore the same name as their brand.

Alas, all was not as it seemed. German magazine Der Spiegel has unmasked the mischievous luger, whose catchphrase was "coconut-powered", as a hoax – his identity being the clever craftsmanship of a marketing company in Leipzig. .......

Semi, an IT student, was selected at a casting session on the island in 2008. Marketing company Makai then intervened, somehow managing to issue him with a passport in the name of Bruno Banani and entering him into the 2010 Vancouver games. The Tongan crashed out in the qualifier and ended up in hospital with concussion......

[Doogle]

.....and his agents Willi Vanilli

[TXnMA]

“Bruno Banai” is more legitimate than the pile of ______ now occupying the White Hut...

[texas booster]

So, how does a company get a passport for this fraud issued ("somehow”)?

It looks like Tongan passports are available if the right people want it done.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

So, how does a company get a passport for this fraud issued ("somehow”)?

One suspects that money changed hands.