A three-time Olympic jumper has retired after posting a risqué video of himself riding a horse in nothing – a mankini – and has been cleared of misconduct.
Shane Rose, 50, wore the revealing outfit during a costume competition at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales on February 11.
The stunt “offended” one attendee who complained anonymously to the sport’s governing body, Equestrian Australia (EA) and Sports Integrity Australia.
An investigation has been launched into the incident which led to the triple Olympic medalist being suspended from competing while the review was carried out.
The controversial ban jeopardized Rose’s dreams of an elusive gold medal and a fourth Olympic Games as she was unable to attend warm-up events.
A governing body panel ruled Monday that Rose had not violated any code of conduct.
“The panel took into account the community event in which Mr. Rose was competing and that Mr. Rose had already publicly apologized,” a statement from EA reads.
The panel recommended that the governing body evaluate “minimum dress standards for future events” and review educational modules intended for athletes.
“Equestrian Australia has an obligation to investigate any concerns of this nature that arise from the community,” EA CEO Darren Gocher said.
‘We take the recommendations into account and will act quickly to ensure appropriate action is taken.
‘Our sport is made up of wonderful people and we have a lot to look forward to in the coming year.
“Shane has reflected on the incident, apologized and understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our High Performance programme.”
A relieved Rose vowed to give it his all in preparation for the Paris Olympics, where he hopes to win his fourth medal.
“I always hoped that would be the case, I felt like from the beginning my intentions were to have a little fun and I think that’s the way it was,” he said. A current issue.
Three-time Olympic medalist Shane Rose (pictured) has been cleared to compete in events after being temporarily suspended by Equestrian Australia.
‘I spent many years preparing for the opportunity to go to the Olympics and putting together your programs so that you can peak at the Olympics.
“So if that was compromised by missing an event in two weeks in New Zealand, it would be a huge commitment for my program going forward.”
Footage shows Mr. Rose delightfully riding through the event in a fluorescent orange mankini across the sand with a big smile on his face.
Numerous attendees can be heard applauding and laughing during the revealing event.
One man even proclaimed “that’s Australian.”
Rose revealed that the incident could have “gone wrong” had she not worn a “cap” wrapped in duct tape to protect her dignity.
“I wouldn’t recommend a thong to anyone, it’s not comfortable gear,” Rose said.
“And then when you put that on a horse (it’s) even less comfortable, so I wasn’t planning on using 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 to the best of my ability.”
Despite an anonymous attendee complaining to the governing body about the light-hearted act (pictured), Equestrian Australia found Mr Rose had not breached any code of conduct.