Dressage-Olympic-champion gives account of misconduct
Charlotte Dujardin is one of the most successful Dressage riders in the world. Now, the British rider has admitted to inappropriate behavior in training. She will not be present at the Paris Olympics.
Three-time Dressage Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin from Great Britain has confessed to misconduct in training and will not compete at the Paris Olympics. The World Equestrian Federation (FEI) announced that Dujardin has been temporarily suspended for six months. The 39-year-old requested the suspension until investigations into a video are completed.
On the video, Dujardin can be seen acting against the welfare of a horse. She herself admitted that her behavior was inappropriate. One of the biggest competitors for the German Dressage team around Jessica von Bredow-Werndl will be missing at Olympia in Paris as a result.
On a four-year-old video, she can be seen making a wrong decision during a training session, which she shared on social media. She decided to temporarily withdraw from all competitions - including the Paris Olympics, she wrote further.
"What happened was not my way and does not reflect how I train my horses or teach my students, but there is no excuse," her statement read. "I am deeply ashamed and should have given a better example in that moment." Dujardin did not describe what is visible on the video.
"I sincerely apologize for my behavior," her statement continued. She expressed regret that she had disappointed everyone, including her British team, fans, and sponsors. She will fully cooperate with the FEI and British equestrian federation and remain silent until the proceedings are completed.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos expressed "deep disappointment" over the matter. The welfare of the horses must not be compromised. Dujardin has shown genuine remorse. In her place as the individual Olympic champion of the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games could now be Becky Moody with Jagerbomb, who has been riding significantly weaker until now.
Despite her temporary suspension due to inappropriate behavior in training, Charlotte Dujardin expressed her intention to avoid the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Her absence from the equestrian events in Paris will likely impact the competition, as she has been a prominent figure in sport, particularly in dressage.
