Why is equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin not competing in the 2024 Olympics?

The 2024 Olympics are shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. However, not all of the sports' biggest stars will be participating. The equestrian events will be without three-time gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin after a video emerged from four years ago, showing Dujardin making an "error of judgment" during a coaching session.

The video in question showed evidence of equine abuse. The International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI) conducted an investigation into the matter, which resulted in a six-month suspension for Dujardin. After the video emerged on Tuesday, Dujardin announced her decision to remove herself from Olympic competition via Instagram, claiming that the footage showed her "completely out of character."

Where was the video taken?

According to a statement from the FEI, the footage was filmed at a private stable during a training session led by Dujardin.

Dujardin claims that the video "does not reflect how [she trains her] horses or [coaches her] pupils." She added that she is "deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment."

Dujardin's comments are backed up by her willingness to cooperate with the FEI investigation. The FEI stated that Dujardin was very cooperative and even withdrew herself from competition before the FEI's judgment was decided.

How many Olympic medals has Dujardin won?

Dujardin has earned three gold medals and two bronze medals.

In 2012, Dujardin won gold in both the individual and team dressage events for equestrian. In 2016, Dujardin repeated her dominance in the individual category, but did not earn a medal for team dressage. Then, in 2021, Dujardin won bronze in both categories.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin not competing in the 2024 Olympics?