Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain’s most celebrated Olympians, has withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympics following the release of a video depicting her whipping her horse’s legs during a training session. The acclaimed dressage star, who holds six Olympic medals from London, Rio, and Tokyo, has also been suspended for six months by the Equestrian Federation International for the incident.
The 39-year-old announced her withdrawal on Tuesday afternoon, just three days before the start of the Paris Olympics and hours before the Equestrian Federation International confirmed her suspension.
Dujardin, who was on the verge of becoming Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, addressed the controversy, stating: “What happened was completely out of character for me and does not reflect how I train my horses or my students. However, there are no excuses. I am deeply ashamed.“
Her absence will be felt keenly by Team GB, for whom she has been a pivotal figure in past Olympic successes.
