Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics after a video emerged from four years ago showing what she describes as “an error of judgment” during a coaching session.

She said she is “deeply ashamed” and what happened was “completely out of character”. She also said that it “does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils”.

Charlotte has withdrawn from all competition, including the Olympic Games, which kick off in France later this week, and said she will cooperate fully with the FEI, BEF and British Dressage during their investigations.

The dressage rider, who won back-to-back individual golds at the Olympics in Rio and London riding Valegro, as well as individual bronze in Tokyo aboard Gio, released a statement on her Facebook page.

Charlotte’s statement in full

The statement said:

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Out of the running for new British record

Charlotte was due to ride Imhotep in Paris, alongside Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale, and Carl Hester with Fame. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb were named as reserves.

It means Charlotte won’t become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian. She needed an Olympic medal of any colour to take her tally to seven, which would have seen her take the lead from cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, who retired after Tokyo.

Charlotte previously won team and individual gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games; team silver and individual gold at London 2012, and dual bronze at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.

Related content