Australian Olympian Shane Rose has been rushed to intensive care after a nasty fall.
The 50-year-old rider, who had only just confirmed his place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, fell during cross-country training on Thursday.
He has broken bones in his legs, hips and ribs and has a concussion.
The injuries put his participation in the Games, which take place in just four months’ time, in serious doubt.
Australian Olympian Shane Rose has been rushed to intensive care after a nasty fall
The fall comes just weeks after Rose found herself in hot water for riding a horse while wearing a mankini
‘As the saying goes: one day a peacock, the next a feather duster!’ Shane Rose Eventing wrote on social media.
‘After a fantastic week in New Zealand, Shane and Virgil (his horse) secured their Olympic qualifications, this week Shane was literally bought back down to earth.
‘Yesterday Shane suffered a nasty fall during cross-country training. Fortunately, his horse was not injured in the fall.
‘Shane is currently in intensive care with a severely broken femur and a broken pelvis and ribs. In addition, he suffered a severe concussion.
“Shane had surgery this morning to stabilize the femur and pelvis.”
Rose still has hopes of competing in Paris.
“Shane is in good hands with a great medical team and support network,” the post added.
“Although the timing is unfortunate, we hope there is sufficient time for him to recover and still continue his preparation schedule for the Paris Olympic Games.
“We are so grateful to the fantastic team back home who stepped up in Shane’s absence to ensure business remained business as usual at Bimbadeen Park. Thank you, thank you, thank you!’
The 50-year-old rider (along with his wife Nikki), who had only just confirmed his place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, fell during cross-country training on Thursday
The fall comes just weeks after Rose found herself in hot water for riding a horse while wearing a mankini.
He wore the revealing outfit during a fancy dress competition at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza in the NSW Southern Highlands on February 11.
The stunt ‘offended’ a competitor who had anonymously complained to the sport’s governing body, Equestrian Australia (EA) and Sports Integrity Australia.
An investigation was launched into the incident which led to the three-time Olympic medalist being banned from competing while the assessment took place.
The controversial ban put Rose’s dreams of an elusive gold medal and a fourth Olympic Games in jeopardy as he was unable to attend the preliminary events.
A panel of the governing body later ruled that Rose had not breached any code of conduct.
