Equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin has found herself in hot water after a video emerged of her whipping a horse more than 20 times in a coaching session four years ago. The 39-year-old, who has won six dressage Olympic medals, has been banned from the Paris Olympics over allegations of horse whipping. This incident has cost her a damehood and tarnished her image as a paragon of horse-friendly training. Experts and activists in the industry have reacted strongly to the video, highlighting the need for the dressage world to address welfare issues. The incident has sparked an existential crisis in Olympic level dressage circles, with many acknowledging the need for the industry to get its house in order.
Despite this scandal, the Paris Olympics are still set to kick off, with athletes testing out their cardboard beds and football matches beginning shortly. The Australian women’s water polo team has faced setbacks with five players testing positive for Covid-19. As teams prepare and events are underway, the sporting world is abuzz with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Games.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com