Days After ‘Mankini’ Episode, Olympian Shane Rose Finds Support From Sidelines: “Legend”

Australian equestrian Shane Rose caused a stir after he wore only a G-string bikini, or “mankini,”  for a costumed competition while riding his horse at the Wallaby Hill event. This led to a call from Australia’s governing equestrian body notifying him that he was under investigation and temporarily barred from competing. But he was soon cleared to compete and made a triumphant return.

Rose has been a well-loved and recognized name in the Australian equestrian realm over the past few decades. Fighting injuries and odds, the 50-year-old has only grown to shine, claiming three Olympic medals in eventing on the way. This journey has stood to adorn admiration and cheers from the spectators around, and it only proved stronger with the recent stir in the industry.

Shane Rose wins in “traditional attire”

Over the past week, Shane Rose announced his presence at the Wallaby Hill for an equestrian event. It was during the fancy dress encouragement for riders that Rose caught the media’s attention. A fluorescent orange mankini worn in the process was the cause of the controversy. He was stood down by Equestrian Australia this week after the sport’s governing body received a complaint at the event in the New South Wales southern highlands this month. “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.” the chief executive had stated. After receiving a clear code of conduct, Rose came back well and strong, securing a win at the event.

“While riding in traditional attire… Bandit, Moses & Virgil take equal 1st in the 1.30cm class,” Shane Rose wrote in jest in an Instagram post as he celebrated his win. During last week’s Wallaby Hill Extravaganza, Rose entered the arena in a gorilla suit, a Duffman ­outfit inspired by the Simpsons – and the mankini, a skimpy swimwear item popularised by Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy ­character Borat.

The equestrian has been a veteran at the Wallaby Hill eventing and often exuded dominance. But his mankini had not only put his participation at the event in doubt but also his Paris Olympics plans also appeared in jeopardy. After the incident, Rose in a Facebook post said, “I took part in this fancy dress competition with the aim of pro­viding lighthearted entertainment for those in attendance,” Rose wrote in a Facebook post, which was later deleted. “If my costume/s offended anyone I am truly sorry as this was never my intention. I would like to apologise to anyone that I offended.”

Thus, when the Olympian emerged victorious following the uncertainty and scrutiny, the long-time fans and some new ones stood by to cheer him on and lend the necessary support.

The equestrian surrounded with love

As Shane Rose took a moment to celebrate his victory with the audience online, the fans ensured to reciprocate in joining in. With the equestrian’s champagne cheers, came the enthusiasts’  virtual applause. “Fantastic result! Aussie larikkin,” one fan wrote with clapping hands. Following along, another wrote, “Yay shane! What a legend (& brilliant ponies too!!!!:)))” Rose is indeed a legend in the Australian equestrian realm. He won silver medals in team eventing in Beijing in 2008 and at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Games.

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“Congratulations, Shane. We’re very proud to have been good friends with you for so many years!” Shane Rose’s saddle partners, Bates Saddles added. Earlier, Matt Shirvington, a television host on Seven Network and a former Olympic runner, jokingly threatened in a broadcast on Monday morning that if  Rose wasn’t able to attend the Olympics because of his mankini, current and former Olympians would start wearing them too.

A comment additionally took a subtle dig at Equestrian Australia. It read, “Oh careful now, this seems to contain a bit too much fun and is getting awfully close to a wet tshirt,” it read.

As congratulations poured in further, one spectator expressed enthusiasm over Shane Rose being back on the path to Paris 2024. “Onwards and Upwards to Paris!” they cheered. Rose can now look forward to adding to his Olympic medal tally in Paris with the “mankini” gate behind him.

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