Charlotte Dujardin Withdraws from Paris Olympics Amid Investigation Over Training Video

Charlotte Dujardin, one of Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympians, has withdrawn from the Paris Games following the emergence of a controversial video. The six-time Olympic dressage medalist announced on Instagram that the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating the incident, and she will “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.”

“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session,” Dujardin stated. “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.”

The FEI confirmed the investigation and stated it suspended Dujardin from competition after receiving the video, which appears to show her “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.” The video was provided by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant and was allegedly taken several years ago during a private training session conducted by Dujardin.

This incident is not unprecedented in Olympic equestrian history. In 2021, a German coach was expelled from the Tokyo Games for hitting a horse.

Dujardin’s suspension comes less than a week before she was scheduled to compete in Paris, where she had the opportunity to become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian. Paris would have been her fourth Olympics, offering her a chance to secure that record.

Dujardin’s withdrawal is a significant loss for Great Britain’s Olympic team, and the equestrian community will be closely watching the outcome of the FEI’s investigation.