Charlotte Dujardin to miss Paris Games amid investigation into conduct

The United Kingdom's joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, pulled out of the Paris Games on Tuesday and was provisionally suspended after equestrian's governing body launched an investigation into her conduct.

Dujardin did not elaborate on the investigation, but the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced it was looking into an old video purportedly showing her engaging in "conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare."

"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," the 39-year-old wrote in a statement on Instagram.

"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."

The FEI said they had received the video from a lawyer on Monday but the complainant was undisclosed. The FEI did not elaborate on the incident.

"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," the FEI said.

"Ms. Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate," the FEI continued. "Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Dujardin also confirmed to the FEI that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the investigation. She also cannot take part in any British Equestrian Federation events.

She said she was "sincerely sorry" for her actions and was "devastated" over letting down the team, 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," she added.