PARIS (AP) — Three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin of Britain Paris This comes after a video was released showing her “engaging in conduct that is contrary to horse welfare principles,” according to the sport’s governing body.
Dujardin It said in a statement “It shows me making an error of judgment during a coaching session,” Dujardin said Tuesday about the four-year-old video. It’s unclear what video Dujardin was referring to or what specifically is shown on the video.
“What happened is completely out of character for me and counter to how I train horses and mentor my students, but there are no excuses,” Dujardin said in a statement on Instagram. “I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
“I truly regret my actions and am devastated to have let everyone down – including the British team, our fans and sponsors.”
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said in a statement that it was investigating and that Dujardin had been provisionally suspended from all events under its jurisdiction until the outcome of the investigation. British Equestrian has also suspended Dujardin from competing in national events.
The FEI said on Monday it had received the video from lawyers representing the “anonymous plaintiff,” which was taken during training at a private stable. Dujardin confirmed he was the person in the video and requested that he be provisionally suspended, the FEI said.
“The FEI condemns any behaviour that is contrary to the welfare of horses and has strict rules to address such behaviour,” the governing body said. “Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of horse welfare and sportsmanship is unwavering.”
The 39-year-old Dujardin won gold medals in the team and individual dressage events at the 2012 London Olympics, and also won individual gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She won bronze medals in the team and individual events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and silver in the team event at the Rio Olympics. Her six medals are tied for the most by a British female Olympian.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-Paris-Olympic-Games
