Group GB’s Charlotte Dujardin is out of the Olympics and provisionally banned for six months over a video from 4 years in the past allegedly exhibiting her hitting a horse’s leg a number of occasions.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic champion, mentioned the video confirmed her making “an error of judgement during a coaching session”.
She introduced she was pulling out of all competitors whereas the Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities (FEI) investigated the incident.
Shortly after, the FEI confirmed Dujardin had been provisionally banned for six months after it obtained a video “depicting Ms Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare”.
“This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI,” an announcement mentioned.
The footage was allegedly taken a number of years in the past throughout a coaching session performed by Dujardin at a non-public steady. It was submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant.
The FEI acknowledged the cooperation of Dujardin, British Equestrian and British Dressage with the continued investigation and mentioned it “intends to proceed as swiftly as possible”.
“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos mentioned.
“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.”
Dujardin, 39, might have change into Britain’s most embellished feminine Olympian in Paris. A medal of any color would have taken her away from Laura Kenny, with whom she is presently tied on six medals.
Sources near Dujardin say she distraught and devastated.
In an announcement Dujardin mentioned: “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
“Understandably, the Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities (FEI) is investigating and I’ve made the choice to withdraw from all competitors – together with the Paris Olympics – whereas this course of 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’m sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I’ve let everybody down, together with Group GB, followers 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.”
Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb are the travelling reserve for Dujardin. Moody will participate within the Olympics for the primary time.
Dujardin was on account of compete in each the person dressage and the group occasion alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry.
Dujardin rose to prominence with particular person and group golds at London 2012 whereas using Valegro, with the duo retaining the previous title and successful silver within the latter at Rio 2016.
‘Staggering… that is the Usain Bolt of dressage’
Sky Sports activities Information’ Geraint Hughes in Paris:
That is staggering that it is an athlete of Charlotte Dujardin’s stature and that that is taking place simply days earlier than the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Video games and the Video games themselves get underway.
In dressage Charlotte Dujardin is nearly as good because it will get, a three-time gold medallist, six medals in all. She’s probably the most embellished feminine British Olympian of all time alongside Laura Kenny. One among Group GB’s greats. She has held each single title doable inside her profession. There isn’t a one who can contact her, she is peerless. She is the Usain Bolt of dressage.
She’s clearly alluding to an error of judgement right here in that assertion. We await to search out out precisely what she has completed however the assertion makes it clear her sorrow but in addition simply the seriousness of what has occurred with the video now beneath investigation by the governing physique of the game.
It might take a while to finish that investigation and the recommendation is that she shouldn’t compete till that investigation is concluded.
In all probability the largest understatement, this isn’t what Group GB need, not what the Olympics desires simply days earlier than the competitors is about to start right here.
