Shane Rose: Aussie show jumper who risked his Olympic hopes for a cheeky mankini stunt learns his fate
A three-time Olympic show jumper quit after posting a cheeky video of himself riding a horse without clothes. A mankini has been cleared of wrongdoing.
Shane Rose, 50, wore the revealing outfit during a fancy dress competition at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza in the NSW Southern Highlands on February 11.
The stunt ‘offended’ a competitor who had anonymously complained to the sport’s governing body, Equestrian Australia (EA) and Sports Integrity Australia.
An investigation was launched into the incident which led to the three-time Olympic medalist being banned from competing while the assessment took place.
The controversial ban put Rose’s dreams of an elusive gold medal and a fourth Olympic Games in jeopardy as he was unable to attend the preliminary events.
A panel of the governing body ruled on Monday that Rose had not breached any code of conduct.
“The panel took into account the community event in which Mr. Rose attended, and that Mr. Rose had already made a public apology,” read a statement from EA.
The panel recommended that the governing body review “minimum dress standards for future events” and revise the education modules for athletes.
“Equestrian Australia has a duty to investigate any concerns of this nature raised by the community,” EA CEO Darren Gocher said.
“We take the recommendations to heart and will take swift action to ensure that the relevant actions are taken.
“Our sport is made up of great individuals and we have plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.
“Shane has reflected on the incident, has apologized and understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our High Performance programme.”
A relieved Rose vowed to give everything in preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris, where he hopes to win his fourth medal.
‘I always had hope that this would be the case. “I felt from the beginning that my intention was to have some fun and I think that’s what happened,” he said. A current issue.
Three-time Olympic medalist Shane Rose (pictured) has been cleared to compete in events after being temporarily withdrawn by Equestrian Australia
‘I have spent many years preparing for the opportunity to go to the Olympics and developing your programs so that you can peak at the Olympics.
“So if that were to be compromised if I missed an event in New Zealand in two weeks, it would be a huge compromise to my future programme.
The footage shows Mr Rose riding happily through the event in a fluorescent orange mankini around the arena with a big grin on his face
During the revealing act, numerous attendees can be heard cheering and laughing.
One man even shouted ‘that’s Australian’.
Rose revealed that the incident “could have ended badly” if he had not used a “cap” wrapped in electrical tape to protect his dignity.
“I wouldn’t recommend a G-string to anyone, it’s not a comfortable piece of clothing,” Rose said.
“And then putting that on a horse makes it even less comfortable, so I wasn’t planning on wearing one in the near future.
“My job is to be prepared to win a gold medal in Paris and that is my only ambition: to get there and be ready to compete at my best.”
Despite an anonymous participant complaining to the governing body over the light-hearted act (pictured), Equestrian Australia found that Mr Rose had not breached any code of conduct