Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, has withdrawn from this summer’s Games over a video showing her making ‘an error of judgement’.
The dressage rider, who has won six medals including three golds in a glittering OIympics career, said in a statement on Tuesday that she is under investigation over an incident that occurred four years ago.
She has pulled out of the competition while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigates the incident.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse,” she said in a statement.
“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
The 39-year-old could have become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris. A medal of any colour would have taken her clear of Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Dujardin said: “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
“Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, 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.”
“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.”
Just a year after turning pro, Dujardin won double gold at London 2012, winning the team dressage and individual dressage with Valegro.
Dujardin and Valegro successfully defended the individual title at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and also won the silver medal in the team event.
And at the Tokyo Games Dujardin added two bronze’s to her impressive collection, claiming third in the team and individual events with horse Gio.
However, Dujardin will not be competing at Paris 2024, which starts on Friday.
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News Summary:
- Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian pulls out of Paris Games as video emerges of her making ‘error of judgement’
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