Charlotte Dujardin was suspended. © AFP / BEHROUZ MEHRI

Olympic champion suspended: Big trouble in Paris

Three-time Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has been provisionally suspended a few days before the start of the Summer Games in Paris.

July 23, 2024

From: dpa/det

This was announced on Tuesday by the FEI, the world equestrian association, which had launched an investigation the day before following a video that had surfaced. The video shows Dujardin acting against the welfare of a horse, the association said. Details were not disclosed.

Dujardin was remorseful. "A video from four years ago has surfaced showing me making a misjudgment during a coaching session," Dujardin said in a statement on Tuesday, without going into detail about what happened, adding: "What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my students, but there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."

Charlotte Dujardin won Olympic gold three times. © AFP / BEHROUZ MEHRI

Due to the understandable initiation of the FEI investigation, she has decided to withdraw from all competitions - including the Olympic Games - until the investigations are completed. "I will cooperate fully with the FEI and the British Federation in their investigations and will not make any further comments until the process is complete."

The most successful Briton at the Olympics

Dujardin also said she "sincerely regrets" her actions and is "devastated" for letting the team, fans and sponsors down. FEI President Ingmar De Vos said she was "deeply disappointed" by the case. The welfare of the horses must not be compromised.

With six medals, including the individual titles in 2012 and 2016, Dujardin is, together with cyclist Laura Kenny, the most successful Briton at the Olympic Games. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, who has been riding much weaker so far, could take her place in Paris.