Dujardin Withdraws From Paris Games After Whipping Scandal
Joint-Most Decorated Female Olympian Announces Decision
"Devastated" rider released statement after video surfaced
Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, has pulled out of the Paris Games after a video emerged showing her excessively whipping a horse during a training session.
Dujardin, who has won three golds, a silver, and two bronze medals in Olympic equestrian events for Britain, confirmed her withdrawal in a statement released on social media.
"I am devastated to announce that I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Paris Games," Dujardin wrote. "This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one for me, my horse, and my team."
The whistleblower who released the video claimed it was filmed four years ago, and Dujardin expressed her regret for her actions.
"I am deeply sorry for any offense caused by the video, and I take full responsibility for my actions," she said. "I am committed to learning from this mistake and becoming a better rider and equestrian."
Dujardin has won six Olympic medals across the three Games she has competed at. She won two golds in the team and individual dressage events at the London 2012 Games on horse Valegro.
Her withdrawal from the Paris Games is a significant blow to the British equestrian team, and it remains to be seen who will replace her on the team.
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