Three-time Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin won’t have a chance to add to her medal haul in Paris.
Dujardin, who is tied as the most-decorated British athlete in Olympic history with six medals, withdrew from the coming Games after a video emerged of her allegedly whipping a horse on the legs several times.
She reportedly had been a candidate to be the flag bearer for Team GB, but instead will be watching the opening ceremonies from home.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, the 39-year-old announced her decision to pull out of all competitions while the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has provisionally suspended her for six months pending an investigation.
In the video, Dujardin appears to be seen whipping a horse several times in the legs and back during a training session. During the minute-long clip, she looks to hit the animal at least a dozen times while another rider is on the horse.
In the statement, Dujardin says her actions in the video were “an error of judgement.”
“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.
“Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.”
She also apologized for her actions and will cooperate with any investigation.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.”
Dujardin, who has competed in the past three Summer Games, has three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Had she reached the podium in Paris, she would’ve become Britain’s most-decorated female Olympian, breaking a tie with cyclist Laura Kenny.
In a statement, the FEI confirmed the suspension of Dujardin while it investigates the allegations, while the British Equestrian Federation mirrored this provisional ban.
“The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for a period of six months, effective immediately.
“The FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant,” the statement began.
“According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.”