The United Kingdom's joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, has withdrawn from the Paris Games and faced provisional suspension following an investigation launched by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) into her conduct.
The FEI is examining an old video that supposedly shows Dujardin engaging in behavior deemed \"contrary to the principles of horse welfare\" during a coaching session at a private stable four years ago.
In a statement on Instagram, the 39-year-old champion addressed the situation, stating, \"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.\"
Dujardin emphasized that the incident was \"completely out of character\" and does not reflect her training methods or coaching standards. \"However, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment,\" she added.
The FEI received the video from a lawyer on Monday, though the complainant remains undisclosed. Following an investigation deadline, Dujardin confirmed her involvement in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate. Consequently, she requested a provisional suspension and has decided not to participate in any competitions until the investigation concludes, including British Equestrian Federation events.
Dujardin expressed her sincere apologies, saying she is \"devastated\" over disappointing her team, 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,\" she stated.
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Charlotte Dujardin to miss Paris Games amid investigation into conduct
cgtn.com
