Triple Australian Olympic medalist Shane Rose threatened with suspension at Paris Games for competing in swimsuit

During a competition organized near Sydney on February 11, the 50-year-old rider presented himself in a “mankini” swimsuit, popularized by the film “Borat”, during a show jumping event.

Shane Rose’s joke could cost him dearly. The three-time Australian Olympic medalist, who is preparing for his fourth Games, was excluded from a competition on Sunday for wearing a “mankini” swimsuit during a show jumping event. The Australian Federation criticizes him for an outfit that violates the dress code for riders.

A true star of the Australian equestrian world, Rose wore a fluorescent orange outfit on her horse, popularized by the film Boratduring a competition organized near Sydney last weekend, during which riders were nevertheless encouraged to wear “original costumes”.

Hours later, the rider said on social media that he had been sidelined by the Australian Equestrian Federation, which launched disciplinary proceedings against him after receiving complaints. “I am sincerely sorry if I offended anyone”said the 50-year-old man on Facebook. “I hope that the result of the federation’s review will allow me to return to competition and will not affect my preparation for the Paris Olympics.”

Other riders mobilize

“Like any high-level athlete, Shane is required to respect the codes of conduct”for its part reacted the Australian federation, in a press release. “The Australian Equestrian Federation has an obligation to address these concerns and is currently reviewing the matter”continued the instance which, at this stage, has not yet resolved the fate of the rider.

“To be clear, Shane was not suspended or sanctioned. As is customary in these circumstances for all high-level athletes, he was sidelined from competition for several days while the review was completed. “she specifies.

The rider, whose participation in the Paris Games is suspended due to this disciplinary procedure, however received the support of other athletes. The rider Vicki Roycroft thus denounced “an extremely overreaction” and dressage specialist Mary Hanna, present at the Olympic Games continuously since Atlanta 1996, implores in the columns of Sydney Daily Telegraph : “Please don’t do this to Shane.”.

Rose won silver medals in the team event at the Beijing and Tokyo Olympics, and a bronze medal at the Rio Games.