Charlotte Dujardin Withdraws from Paris Games After Video Shows her Whipping Horses
Three-time Olympic gold medalist steps down after footage emerges of her using excessive force during training session
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain has withdrawn from the Paris Games after a video emerged that shows her whipping a horse's legs multiple times during a coaching session. The video, which was posted online, shows Dujardin hitting the horse's legs with a whip while it is standing still. Dujardin has since apologized for her actions, saying that they were "completely out of character" and do not reflect how she normally trains her horses.
Dujardin is one of Britain's most successful equestrian athletes, having won three gold medals, a silver medal, and two bronze medals in Olympic equestrian events. She was expected to be a strong contender for a medal at the Paris Games, but her withdrawal means that she will not be able to compete.
The video has sparked outrage among animal welfare groups, who have called for Dujardin to be banned from competing. The British Equestrian Federation is investigating the incident and has said that it will take appropriate action if necessary.
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