An Australian Olympic equestrian rider has been cleared to compete in the Paris Games this summer after competing in a costume event wearing a fluorescent mankini.
Equestrian Australia (EA) has confirmed that three-time Olympic eventing medalist Shane Rose, 50, did not breach its code of conduct despite complaints.
Rose was removed from the competition after wearing the eye-catching outfit at a show jumping event at Wallaby Hill, near Sydney, earlier this month.
Footage posted by Rose on Facebook showed him donning an orange mankini, helmet and boots as he rode through an arena, much to the amusement of onlookers.
However, after some attendees were offended, EA and Sports Integrity Australia launched an investigation into the bizarre incident, leaving Rose’s hopes of competing in a fourth Olympics and winning an elusive gold medal in limbo.
Australian equestrian rider Shane Rose has been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics after competing in an event wearing a sparkly mankini and being pulled after complaints.
Rose (seen with wife Nikki) apologized for his actions after his medal hopes were left in limbo.
“Shane reflected on the incident and apologized,” said EA CEO Darren Gocher.
‘He understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our high performance programme. With the matter now resolved, Shane and his teammates look forward to continuing to focus their attention on qualifying for Paris.”
The competition encouraged the use of costumes and Rose also wore a gorilla costume and a Duffman suit, made famous by the hit television show The Simpsons. The review took into account the fact that the event had been “community” based.
Rose publicly apologized on social media, but later deleted the post to prevent the issue from getting even worse. This statement was also considered by EA.
“I am pleased that Equestrian Australia’s review has been completed and that I have been reinstated and allowed to continue my campaign towards the Paris Olympics,” Rose said after taking to social media to share her gratitude for their support .
Rose won Olympic silver in team competition in 2008 and 2020 and also took bronze in 2016.
‘The support and interest in this story is like nothing I have experienced before. Now is the time to focus on the work ahead and try to get Australian equestrian in the media for a more positive reason: an Olympic gold medal.
EA said they would “work with clubs and stakeholders to assess minimum dress standards for future events”, while “educational models” would be reviewed.
A sponsor of the Wallaby Hill event has pledged to give away a mankini to every spectator next year and to donate A$100 for every spectator who wears it.
Rose won Olympic silver in team competition in 2008 and 2020 and took bronze in 2016.
He currently has three horses classified for the next event in Paris.