Trouble instead of fun for riding star
“Borat one-piece” on horseback threatens Olympic dream
February 18, 2024, 1:46 p.m
Equestrian sport seems to be an extremely serious matter for some. Not everyone understands Olympic medalist Shane Rose’s fun show ride. His appearance in “Mankini” could now cost him participation in the Olympics in Paris.
A humorous show ride in a “Borat swimsuit” could cost Australia’s show jumping star Shane Rose his participation in the Olympic Games in Paris. The Australian Equestrian Federation has launched an investigation into the three-time Olympic medalist after receiving complaints about the 50-year-old’s appearance at an event on February 11. Rose may now face a ban.
“Like every athlete, Shane is bound by the Code of Conduct and the Athlete Agreement. We are obliged to address the complaints and are reviewing the matter,” said a statement from Equestrian Australia (EA): “However, Shane has not been suspended or shared with anyone else Sanctions proven. However, as is usual, he was suspended from competition for the duration of the review.”
Rose had ridden at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza show tournament in Robertson, New South Wales in three different costumes – in a gorilla costume, dressed as “Duffman” (a beer testimonial from the “Simpsons”) and in a “mankini”. neon-colored and very tight bathing one-piece that leaves both buttocks exposed. The quite suggestive item of clothing became famous thanks to the fictional character Borat by the comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen.
Riders show solidarity
“I’m really sorry if I offended anyone with this,” wrote Rose, who won Olympic silver with Australia’s team in 2008 and 2021 and bronze in 2016, on Facebook: “I hope that the result of the investigation will allow me to… “To return to competition and continue my journey to the Olympics.”
Rose said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald: “My phone was going crazy (after the event, editor’s note) with people laughing and stuff. But I was told there was a lady and I think “It said she expressed concern but no formal complaint,” Rose said. “With any luck, this will all sort itself out in a few days and we can move on. I wore a costume that you might see at an amusement park or on the beach, but maybe no one has it on yet made on a horse, but that’s just the way it is.”
He emphasized: “I think I’m a good person and do a lot for the sport and for people in different situations. I don’t feel like I did anything particularly bad. In hindsight, I should have reconsidered my behavior, “But at the time I thought it was just a bit of fun.”
At least that’s how the fans see it. His post on Instagram about the event – where he shows himself sitting on the horse from behind in the Borat suit – received many tear-laughing emojis. And the equestrian community sees it that way too. Numerous riders changed their pictures on social networks to show solidarity with Rose. Three-time Olympic champion Wayne Roycroft criticized the federation for the investigation: “Shane, I apologize for the actions taken by EA. You have contributed more to the equestrian community than anyone I know and it is shameful not to have full support from EA, because from my perspective, my actions while on the board were primarily aimed at supporting the athletes.”
What could have a mitigating effect on the punishment: the half-naked Rose also wore a helmet as required by law.