Equestrian great Dujardin out of Olympics after coaching video shows inappropriate behaviour
Brit says video from 4 years ago 'shows me making an error of judgment during a coaching session'
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin of Britain has withdrawn from the Paris Games after a video emerged that she says shows her behaving inappropriately while coaching other riders.
Dujardin said in a statement the video from four years ago "shows me making an error of judgment during a coaching session." It wasn't clear what video Dujardin referred to or what specifically the video shows.
Dujardin said the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, or FEI, is investigating.
"What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils; however, there is no excuse," Dujardin said in a statement on Instagram. "I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
"I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors."
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports, or FEI, said in a statement it is investigating, and Dujardin has been provisionally suspended from all events under the body's jurisdiction, pending results of the probe. The British Equestrian Federation also has made Dujardin ineligible for national events.
The FEI said it received a video Monday from a lawyer representing "an undisclosed complainant" that was filmed during a training session at a private stable. The FEI said Dujardin has confirmed she was the individual shown in the video and requested her own provisional suspension.
"The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behavior," the governing body said. "Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering."
The 39-year-old Dujardin won gold at the 2012 London Games in team and individual dressage and won another individual gold in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. She took bronze in team and individual at Tokyo in 2021 and a silver in the team event at Rio. Her six medals are tied for the most by a female British Olympian.
The FEI and British Equestrian Federation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.