Charlotte Dujardin, Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, has announced her withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympics following the emergence of a video
showing her "making an error of judgement."
The six-time dressage medallist, currently under investigation by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), stated she would "withdraw from all competition while this process takes place." Additionally, she is being investigated by the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage.
In her statement, the 39-year-old expressed remorse: "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. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."
Dujardin revealed the video was "filmed four years ago" and expressed her devastation at having let everyone down. BBC Sport has not seen the video, and the specifics of the investigation remain unclear, though sources indicate the video was submitted directly to the FEI.
In light of Dujardin's withdrawal, Becky Moody and her horse Jagerbomb will be Team GB's alternate combination for the dressage events.
Who is Charlotte Dujardin?
Charlotte Dujardin is celebrated for her remarkable achievements in dressage. She won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Games on her horse Valegro, and followed up with individual gold and team silver at the Rio 2016 Games. Riding a different horse, Gio, she secured two bronze medals at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
Dujardin was scheduled to compete in both the individual dressage and team events at Paris 2024, alongside Carl Hester and world champion Lottie Fry, on her new horse Imhotep. A medal of any color would have made her the most-decorated British female Olympian, surpassing now-retired cyclist Dame Laura Kenny.
In an interview with BBC Sport last week, Dujardin described the prospect of becoming the most-decorated British female Olympian as "surreal" and said achieving this would be "one of the most incredible moments." Photo by Steinfurth (Nordlicht8), Wikimedia commons.