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British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin introduced that she has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics after footage of her allegedly whipping one in all her horses surfaced.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 fully out of character and doesn’t replicate how I practice my horses or coach my pupils, nevertheless, there isn’t any 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 gained 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 crew, followers and sponsors.
“I’ll cooperate totally 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 accordance with The Guardian, a 19-year-old former scholar witnessed the alleged animal abuse throughout a lesson at a non-public steady and filed a criticism in opposition to Dujardin. Lawyer Stephan Wensing, who’s representing the teenager, shared in an announcement that he was glad the FEI has taken such a powerful stand.
“Charlotte Dujardin was in the midst of the world,” Wensing advised The Guardian. “She stated to the scholar: ‘Your horse should elevate up the legs extra within the canter.’ She took the lengthy whip and she or he was beating the horse greater than 24 occasions in a single minute. It was like an elephant within the circus.”
Wensing claimed that the scholar initially thought the alleged habits “have to be regular” and was “warned in opposition to talking out within the U.Okay.” earlier than in the end altering their thoughts.
“However final 12 months my consumer noticed others suspended within the UK and elsewhere,” Wensing’s assertion continued. “And this weekend, she ultimately decided to let me admit the criticism to the FEI and that occurred yesterday. The FEI took this instantly very critically.”
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 essentially 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 cling up their hats, stepping gracefully into retirement. […]
The FEI additionally launched an announcement on Tuesday, noting it obtained 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 dissatisfied with this case, particularly as we strategy the Olympic Video games in Paris 2024. Nevertheless, it’s our accountability and essential that we deal with 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.”
