Charlotte Dujardin, the United Kingdom’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics following an investigation launched by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) into her conduct.
An old video, reportedly from four years ago, has surfaced showing Dujardin engaging in what is described as “conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” during a coaching session. The FEI, equestrianism’s international governing body, received the video from a lawyer on Monday, prompting the investigation.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, the 39-year-old equestrian expressed deep remorse for her actions. “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgment during a coaching session,” she wrote. “Understandably, the FEI is investigating, and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition—including the Paris Olympics—while this process takes place.”
Dujardin acknowledged that her behavior was “completely out of character” and not reflective of her usual training methods. “There is no excuse,” she admitted. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
The FEI confirmed Dujardin’s admission and her request to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. “Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate,” the FEI stated. “She requested to be provisionally suspended and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
As a result, Dujardin will not participate in any competitions and is barred from attending British Equestrian Federation events until the investigation concludes.
Expressing her regret over the impact of her actions, Dujardin said she was “sincerely sorry” and “devastated” to have let down her team, fans, and sponsors. “I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation, and British Dressage during their investigations and will not be commenting further until the process is complete,” she added.
Dujardin is one of the most celebrated figures in equestrian sports, having won multiple Olympic gold medals in dressage. Her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics marks a significant development for the equestrian community and raises important discussions about athlete conduct and animal welfare in sports.
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Charlotte Dujardin to miss Paris Games amid investigation into conduct
cgtn.com
