PARIS – One of the most decorated members of the Great Britain Olympic delegation has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics following an equine-abuse investigation.
Equestrian athlete Charlotte Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in dressage, announced the news Tuesday after a video she said was from four years ago surfaced and showed her acting “completely out of character.” The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) investigation resulted in a six-month suspension, the body announced.
The FEI said it received a video Tuesday “depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.” A lawyer representing an unidentified complainant sent the video to the FEI.
“The footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable,” the FEI said in a statement.
Dujardin technically withdrew before the FEI could impose its penalty.
In her statement, Dujardin said the incident “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.”
Dujardin won individual and team dressage gold medals at the 2012 London Games and repeated her individual title four years later in Rio. She took bronze in both the individual and team events at Tokyo three years ago.
Dujardin cooperated with the FEI’s investigation, the FEI said. She also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in the statement. “However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Olympics 2024: Equestrian gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin out
