Australian Olympian Shane Rose has been rushed to intensive care after a nasty fall.
The 50-year-old rider, who had only just confirmed his place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, fell during a cross-country school session on Thursday.
He has broken bones in his legs, hips and ribs, as well as having a concussion.
The injuries raise serious doubts about his participation at the Games, which take place in just four months.
Australian Olympian Shane Rose has been rushed to intensive care after a nasty fall
The fall comes just weeks after Rose landed herself in hot water for riding a horse while wearing a mankini
“As they say peacock one day, feather dust the next!” Shane Rose Eventing wrote on social media.
“After a great week in New Zealand, Shane and Virgil (his horse) secured their Olympic qualifications, this week Shane was brought back down to earth – literally.
‘During a cross country school yesterday, Shane suffered a nasty fall. Fortunately, his horse was not injured in the fall.
‘Shane is currently in intensive care with a badly broken femur and broken pelvis and ribs. He also suffered a severe concussion.
“Shane had surgery this morning to stabilize the femur and pelvis.”
Rose still hopes to compete in Paris.
“Shane is in good hands with a great medical team and support network,” the post added.
– Although the timing is unfortunate, we hope that there is sufficient time for him to recover and still be able to continue his preparation plan for the Olympic Games in Paris.
‘We are so grateful to the fantastic team at home who have stepped up in Shane’s absence to ensure it was business as usual at Bimbadeen Park. Thank you, thank you, thank you!’
The 50-year-old rider (with his wife Nikki), who had only just confirmed his place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, fell during a cross-country skiing session on Thursday
The fall comes just weeks after Rose landed herself in hot water for riding a horse while wearing a mankini.
He 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 complained anonymously 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 suspended from competing while the review took place.
The controversial ban put Rose’s dreams of an elusive gold medal and a fourth Olympics in jeopardy as he was unable to participate in preparatory events.
A panel of the governing body later ruled that Rose had not breached any code of conduct.
