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It turns out that some Down Under decision-makers have a sense of humour after all.
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Shane Rose, a three-time Olympic medal-winning equestrian from Australia, won’t be punished with a suspension for wearing a Borat-style mankini at a competition earlier this month.
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Rose had been sidelined since wearing the comical thong-style attire during a showjumping fancy dress event at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza.
He apologized after Equestrian Australia and Sports Integrity Australia launched a review of his attire.
Rose, who won silver medals at the 2008 and 2020 Olympics and a bronze in 2016, would’ve been greatly impacted in his pursuit of a spot on Australia’s team for this summer’s Games in Paris.
“Having now thoroughly reviewed the incident and spoken to relevant parties, Equestrian Australia has confirmed that there was no breach of the code of conduct by Shane Rose,” Equestrian Australian CEO Darren Gocher said in a statement.
“Shane has reflected on the incident, has apologized and understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our High Performance program. With the matter now resolved, Shane and his teammates are now looking forward to continuing to focus their attention on qualifying for Paris.”
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Whether or not he earns a trip to his fifth Olympics will be decided when Australia names the team in June. Rose also was selected for the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, but did not compete after his horse went lame upon arrival.
“I’m pleased that the Equestrian Australian review has been completed and I have been reinstated and allowed to continue my campaign towards the Paris Olympics Games,” Rose said in a statement Monday. “The support and interest in this story has been like nothing I have experienced before.
“Now it is time to focus on the job ahead and try to get Australian Equestrian in the media for a more positive reason, an Olympic gold medal. Thanks again the support has been huge and much appreciated.”
The public attention drawn by this so-called controversy has sparked a bit of good, however.
According to CNN, Agriculture machinery supplier Bowral Kubota has offered to donate a mankini to all attendees at next year’s event and give $100 to support men’s health for anyone that “tries to outdo Shane.”
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