Australian equestrian Shane Rose, who caused a stir by wearing a mankini during competition, apologized for the eye-opening stunt while warning others of the pitfalls of wearing thongs and was allowed to continue preparing for Paris Olympic Games. On horseback.
Three-time Olympic showjumping medalist Rose was suspended this week by Equestrian Australia after complaints were received at an event in New South Wales’s Southern Highlands this month.
The costume puts his Paris plans in jeopardy and any ongoing investigation could prevent him from competing at the Olympics, which starts in August.
But Equestrian Australia confirmed Rose had not breached its code of conduct, accepted his apology and said he was free to resume competing.
The incident has also forced Equestrian Australia to reconsider its minimum dress standards and “review educational modules for high-performance events to ensure they are fit for purpose”.
“Equestrian Australia has an obligation to investigate any such concerns from the community,” Equestrian Australia chief executive Darren Gocher said.
“Equestrian Australia has now thoroughly reviewed the incident and spoken to the parties involved and can confirm that Sean Ross did not breach the code of conduct.
“We take these recommendations on board and will move quickly to ensure relevant action is taken. Our sport is made up of quality individuals and we have a lot to look forward to in the year ahead.”
Ross said his intention was just to “have fun.”
“In that case, this is a very serious matter…if that’s the case [his Paris program] “It would be a huge compromise for my show if I missed an event in New Zealand in two weeks’ time,” he told Channel 9’s Current Affairs on Monday night.
“It’s a nerve-wracking moment, I don’t know, but I keep hoping that common sense will lead to the conclusion that we’re at.”
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Ross received some support following his ouster, with several members of the equestrian community changing their social media profile pictures to Borat in a show of solidarity.
“Borat,” created by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, is widely credited with launching Mangini into popular consciousness, but Ross’ inspiration for the stunt didn’t lie with the fictional character.
The knight also dressed up as the character Duffman and a gorilla from “The Simpsons” that day.
“I’ve done it, haven’t I? I don’t need to do it again,” Rose said. “I’m happy with my decision, but a lot of bad things have happened in the past 24 hours due to complaints from unknown people.
“I wouldn’t recommend thongs to anyone, they are not a comfortable piece of equipment – and when you put it on a horse it’s even more uncomfortable. It’s disgraceful… kinigate.”
Ross is one of Australia’s most outstanding equestrians. He won silver medals in team eventing at the 2008 Beijing and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
