Mankini show jumper clear to ride again after apology
Shane Rose, the three-time Olympic medallist show jumper, has been cleared by authorities to return to competition after his mankini fancy dress stunt.
Equestrian Australia, Rose’s national governing body, said he had apologised and a review has concluded he did not breach its code of conduct.
Rose was temporarily stood down after “concerns were raised” over a now-deleted video posted on Facebook of his attire on horseback at a show jumping meeting near Sydney.
The 50-year-old, who won team eventing silver at the 2008 and 2020 Olympics and bronze in 2016, wore three costumes at the event: a fluorescent orange mankini, a gorilla costume and a Simpsons cartoon outfit.
However, as Rose faced investigation, a petition signed by thousands of supporters was launched to get him reinstated. Darren Gocher, the EA chief executive, has now confirmed he will face no further action.
“Shane has reflected on the incident and has apologised,” Gocher said. “He understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our high-performance programme. With the matter now resolved, Shane and his team-mates are looking forward to continuing to focus their attention on qualifying for the Paris Olympics.”
The EA panel said it “took into account the community event that Mr Rose was competing at, and that Mr Rose had already made a public apology”. The body will now “work with clubs and stakeholders to assess minimum dress standards for future events”.
Fancy dress was encouraged at the competition. Rose wrote on social media: “I’m pleased that the EA review has been completed and I have been reinstated and allowed to continue towards the Paris Olympic Games. The support and interest in this story has been like nothing I have experienced before.”
Sponsors of the Wallaby Hill event urged the sport to see the funny side. One pledged to give a Borat-style mankini to spectators at next year’s edition and donate A$100 (£52) to men’s health for any of them wearing the outfit.