A British Olympian has pulled out of the Paris Olympics after a video emerged of her 'making a huge error of judgement'.
Charlotte Dujardin, 39 - who is a six-time dressage medallist - has withdrawn from the competition while an investigation from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) takes place.
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"A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session," she said.
"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."
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It is not currently clear what the nature of the video is.
Dujardin is a hugely successful athlete, having won team and individual gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
She then went on to win gold and silver medals in Rio four years later.
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Dujardin had been due to compete in the individual and team dressage events in Paris this summer and had just one more medal to gain before becoming the most decorated female Olympian, overtaking cyclist Dame Laura Kelly.
"It will be one of the most incredible moments if that does happen," she previously said.
"But I don't put any pressure on myself to make that happen."
LADbible has reached out to the International Federation for Equestrian Sports for comment.
The Olympic Games will kick off in Paris on 26 July and will run until 11 August.
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Team GB will be taking more than 300 athletes to the event, including the likes of Andy Murray and Dina Asher-Smith.
Murray has recently revealed that the Games will be the final tennis tournament of his career.
He explained: “Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament.
“Competing for (Britain) have been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to get do it one final time!”
Topics: Olympics, Sport, UK News, World News, Charlotte Dujardin
Lucy Devine