Olympic athlete Charlotte Dujardin withdraws following video. The gold medallist is not allowed to compete.
One of the most accomplished female Olympians in history, Charlotte Dujardin, has withdrawn from the Paris Games following the release of a video purporting to show her “making an error of judgement.”
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is looking into the situation, the six-time Olympic dressage medallist said in a statement uploaded on Instagram, adding that she would “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.”
I should have led by example in that situation, and I feel incredibly humiliated.”
The FEI, which verified the inquiry, declared that Dujardin had been suspended from competition following the receipt of a video that seemed to show the rider “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” two days earlier.
The regulatory organization stated in a statement that the footage was submitted to the FEI by an attorney on behalf of an unnamed complainant. “Based on the information provided, it appears that the video was captured at a private stable a few years ago during a training session led by Ms. Dujardin.”
This is not the first time an equestrian has been disqualified from an Olympic sport due to a suspected abuse of the welfare of a horse. A German coach was removed from the Tokyo Games in 2021 because she collided with a horse.
Less than a week before she was scheduled to compete, Dujardin was disqualified from her event. She had the opportunity to break the record for the most decorated female Olympian in Britain with one medal still to win in Paris, which would have been her fourth Olympics.
Only a few days before the opening ceremony, three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin suddenly revealed she was withdrawing from Paris 2024.
The well-known British dressage star announced on social media that she has withdrawn from all competition after “making a mistake of judgment during a coaching session.”
It was acknowledged by Dujardin that a video, dated four years prior, captured her acting in a way that was “completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils.”
The 39-year-old expressed regret for her deeds.
Days before Dujardin was trying to become the most decorated British female Olympian in history, the shocking revelation was made.
Six Olympic medals in all have she won: two silvers, one bronze, and three golds.
In the individual or team dressage competition in Paris, another medal would have broken the tie with retired track rider Laura Kenny.
The accomplished rider was scheduled to represent Team GB on Imhotep in her fourth Olympic Games.
The British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced on Tuesday that Dujardin was the subject of an investigation.
Inquiries about the investigation and the video’s contents have been made to CNN by the FEI and Team GB.
Wensing responded, “The client was first discouraged to fight against ‘Goliath’ by the entourage,” when asked why his client waited 2.5 years to submit the case. His client said, “Who am I to challenge an Olympian who has won multiple gold medals? I have faith in both the sport and the FEI that this individual is supported, encouraged, and perpetually elevated. She is receiving the proper instruction.”
If our best riders continue to train in this manner, dressage will not be an Olympic discipline in the future, thus this needs to be expanded to ensure that it remains a sport.”
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans, and sponsors,” Dujardin said as she wrapped up her remarks today. I pledge to assist the British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, and the FEI in every way throughout their investigations, and I won’t say anything more until the procedure is finished.
