Olympian Shane Rose Mankini Antics: From Investigation to National Solidarity

When Australian equestrian and three times Olympic medalist Shane Rose donned a G-string bikini or “mankini” for a costumed competition he didn’t expect it to lead to an investigation and a temporary ban from competing by Equestrian Australia. The incident generated national headlines, jokes and criticism on social media prompting a few supporters to wear mankinis in solidarity.

Despite the public uproar, Equestrian Australia cleared Rose of wrongdoing emphasizing the event’s dress-up nature. Rose known for his achievements in eventing expressed that he wore the mankini for humor during the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza. The investigation which garnered public support for Rose was seen by many as unusual given Australia’s familiarity with revealing swimwear.

Sponsors pledged free mankinis for the next event and fellow athletes praised Rose’s willingness to entertain and garner publicity in the typically reserved equestrian industry.