British competitor suddenly withdraws from Olympics over resurfaced video
A British Olympian has been forced to pull out of the forthcoming 2024 games in Paris after a controversial video resurfaced.
Charlotte Dujardin, who would have been taking part in equestrian events this weekend, said she made 'an error of judgement' during a coaching session four years ago.
The three-time Olympic champion's behaviour is currently being investigated by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
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The 39-year-old athlete - who was on track to become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris this summer - said in a statement: "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."
Despite the 2024 sporting competition set to kick off on Friday - following the commencement of the opening ceremony in the French capital - the anticipation has been plagued with bad publicity.
Today's controversial news comes just weeks after another batch of Olympic fans promised to boycott this year's games after it was announced that a convicted rapist would be representing the Netherlands in the beach volleyball category.
Last month, it was announced that Steven van de Velde, 29, would be competing, despite previously having been sentenced to four years in prison after he admitted to three counts of rape against a 12-year-old child.
After only 12 months behind bars, however, van de Velde was released, before the Dutch Olympic Committee signed him to the nation's volleyball squad ahead of the games kicking off on Friday (26 July).
Speaking about the decision, the convicted sex offender claimed at the time that he was 'not happy' that this 'black period' in his life resurfaced.
"That’s obvious, but I also understand that this is just part of it," he said in a statement.
"In 2016 and afterwards, several Dutch media also paid attention to the story.
"I understand that in the run-up to the biggest sporting event in the world, this can attract the attention of international media."
Rhianna Benson