Olympic medallist Shane Rose will still contest Paris Olympics despite horror fall that left him with broken bones

A sportsman who made headlines after competing in nothing but a mankini hasn’t ruled out another surprise costume as he sets his sights on the Paris Olympics.

A sportsman who made headlines after competing in nothing but a mankini said serious injuries from a horror fall won’t keep him from representing his country in Paris.

Three time Olympic medallist Shane Rose isn’t letting several broken bones stop him from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics later this year.

He was taken to hospital in March after a training accident left him with a broken femur, several pelvis breaks, a fractured elbow and numerous broken ribs.

But the veteran eventer told The Advertiser he was hoping to recover enough in the next 6-8 weeks to keep his spot on the Olympic team.

“I had a whole bunch of scans yesterday, which was four weeks from the fall, and they were really positive and everything’s still in place,” he said.

“My pelvis was broken in five places – in five out of the six parts that join together – but fortunately there’s been some really good healing and nothing’s gone out of shape.

“We’re currently looking about eight weeks from the injury to potentially riding again.”

Three time Olympic medallist Shane Rose. Picture Mark Brake

Shane Rose in hospital after a horror fall broke 5 of the 6 bones in his pelvis. Picture: Instagram

Mr Rose made headlines recently after competing at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza in a mankini – an act considered so risky he was subsequently investigated by governing body Equestrian Australia.

He has since been cleared of any wrongdoing, but said he hasn’t prepared anything quite as questionable for Paris … yet.

“I haven’t planned anything just yet,” he said.

“We’ll see how things shape up.”

Mr Rose, who has competed in Adelaide on a myriad of horses over his career, said he’s disappointed not to be competing at this weekend’s event.

“It’s the only five star event in the southern hemisphere, and it’s a great spot to be in. There’s some really great restaurants on Rundle Street, which are also great for visitors to the event – not just competitors,” he said.

Shane was nearly thrown out of the Olympic team for his questionable costume.

He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

“I know a lot of us like going to the Oyster Bar when we’re there. I’ve been to McLaren Vale, and have never had a bad wine there.

“One of the most amazing things about coming to Adelaide is normally we’re in the bush in the middle of nowhere.

“To be able to do what we do in the middle of a capital city, and be able to walk to restaurants and cafes and see some of the amazing things South Australia has to offer is just so unique.”

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival starts on Thursday with the three and four star dressage.

Entry is free on Thursday, and there are plenty of school holidays on offer for families attending across the four days.