Paris 2024: Britain's Charlotte Dujardin pulls out of Olympics after old video shows her making 'error of judgement'
ByEurosport
Updated 24/07/2024 at 12:40 GMT
Britain's joint-record female Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has pulled out of the Paris 2024 Games after an old video surfaced showing her making an "error of judgement" during a coaching session. The 39-year-old is a six-time Olympic medallist and has won three golds in her career. In a statement, she said she is "ashamed" and "will cooperate fully" with the investigations that have been launched.
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British six-time Olympic dressage medallist Charlotte Dujardin has had her funding suspended after she pulled out of the Paris 2024 Games when an old video came to light showing her making “an error of judgement”.
The 39-year-old is a three-time Olympic champion but will no longer feature in the French capital after confirming she is under investigation from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage.
It is over the contents of a video that surfaced of her during a coaching session four years ago.
"A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session," Dujardin said in a statement on social media.
"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."
Addressing the situation, a UK Sport spokesperson said: “We expect all staff and athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, ethics and integrity. We are disturbed by the serious concerns that have been raised in the past 24 hours regarding horse welfare and Charlotte Dujardin.
“Sport national governing bodies are required to notify us when they become aware of any conduct-related issues involving a World Class Programme athlete or member of staff so it can be reviewed under the Funding Eligibility Policy.
“In line with our Eligibility Policy, Charlotte Dujardin’s eligibility to receive public funding and access to publicly funded benefits has now been suspended, pending the outcome of the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s (FEI) investigation.
“We now need to let the FEI’s investigation conclude before making any further comment.”
Dujardin and her horse Valegro won gold medals in the team dressage and individual dressage at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The Brit and Valegro followed that up with a gold medal in the individual dressage and silver in the team dressage in Rio de Janeiro four years later.
She rode Gio at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dujardin completed the set in Japan, winning bronze in both the team dressage and individual dressage.
She was set to ride Imhotep in Paris prior to her withdrawal.
Dame Laura Kenny and Dujardin are Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympians with six medals each.
Kenny is retired, meaning a medal in Paris would have taken Dujardin to the top of the pile.
FEI give Dujardin six-month provisional suspension
Dujardin has also received a six-month provisional suspension from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
The suspension means the six-time Olympic medallist will not be allowed to compete at any competitions or events under the FEI or National Federation's jurisdiction.
Dujardin is also unable to compete in any national events after the British Equestrian Federation handed her a similar suspension.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos believes it is the governing body's responsibility to address instances of abuse.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024," he said.
"However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.
“Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility.
"Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”
An FEI statement said that the governing body received a video of Dujardin "engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare" on the 22nd of July 2024.
The statement pointed out that the footage was alleged to have been filmed several years ago and in a private stable.
It added that Dujardin confirmed she was the individual in the footage and that her behaviour was inappropriate.
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