Charlotte Dujardin Karwai Tang/WireImage
British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin introduced that she has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics after footage of her allegedly whipping considered one of her horses surfaced.
Dujardin, 39, took to social media on Tuesday, July 23, to share the information and apologize for her actions as an investigation across the incident by the Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities continues. Her withdrawal comes simply days earlier than the Olympics start on Friday, July 26.
“A video has emerged from 4 years in the past which reveals me making an error in judgment throughout a training session,” Dujardin wrote through Instagram on Tuesday. “I’ve made the choice to withdraw from all competitors — together with the Paris Olympics – whereas this course of takes place.”
She continued, “What occurred was utterly out of character and doesn’t replicate how I practice my horses or coach my pupils, nevertheless, there isn’t a excuse. I’m deeply ashamed and may have set a greater instance in that second.”
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The U.Okay. native, who has received a complete of six Olympic medals all through her profession, added that she was “sincerely sorry” for her actions and is “devastated” to have “let everybody down,” together with her Nice Britain group, followers and sponsors.
“I’ll cooperate absolutely with FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage throughout their investigations and won’t be commenting additional till the method is full,” she concluded.
In keeping with The Guardian, a 19-year-old former scholar witnessed the alleged animal abuse throughout a lesson at a personal steady and filed a grievance towards Dujardin. Lawyer Stephan Wensing, who’s representing the teenager, shared in a press release that he was glad the FEI has taken such a robust stand.
“Charlotte Dujardin was in the midst of the world,” Wensing advised The Guardian. “She stated to the coed: ‘Your horse should carry up the legs extra within the canter.’ She took the lengthy whip and he or she was beating the horse greater than 24 instances in a single minute. It was like an elephant within the circus.”
Wensing claimed that the coed initially thought the alleged habits “have to be regular” and was “warned towards talking out within the U.Okay.” earlier than finally altering their thoughts.
“However final 12 months my shopper noticed others suspended within the UK and elsewhere,” Wensing’s assertion continued. “And this weekend, she finally decided to let me admit the grievance to the FEI and that occurred yesterday. The FEI took this instantly very severely.”
Making it to the Olympics is a feat that numerous athletes dream of their whole lives. After years of blood, sweat and tears, collaborating in probably the most prestigious athletic occasion on the earth is a once-in-a-lifetime second. Some athletes compete one time within the Olympic Video games and hold up their hats, stepping gracefully into retirement. […]
The FEI additionally launched a press release on Tuesday, noting it acquired the footage of Dujardin on Monday, July 22, the place she allegedly was seen “partaking in conduct opposite to the ideas of horse welfare.”
“We’re deeply disenchanted with this case, particularly as we strategy the Olympic Video games in Paris 2024. Nonetheless, it’s our accountability and essential that we handle any situations of abuse, as equine welfare can’t be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos stated. “Charlotte has expressed real regret for her actions, and we recognise and respect her willingness to take accountability. Regardless of the unlucky timing, we consider this motion reaffirms the FEI’s dedication to welfare because the guardians of our equine companions and the integrity of our sport.”
