INJURIES AND INVESTIGATIONS RULE THREE OUT OF PARIS
With just days to go to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, three riders are now out of the Games: Bertram Allen (show jumping) and in dressage: Ingrid Klimke and Charlotte Dujardin.
The Irish show jumping team’s travelling alternate Bertram Allen made the announcement today on social media that his Tokyo Olympics partner Pacino Amiro has had to be withdrawn: “I’m saddened to share that Buddy (Pacino Amiro) has a minor injury and won't be able to compete in the Paris Olympics. I was so looking forward to our second Olympics together, but Buddy’s recovery is our top priority. “I wish the entire Irish team great success in Paris. They’re stronger than ever and ready to achieve amazing things,” said Allen.
Bertram Allen © Susan Finnerty
Pacino Amiro, bred by Simon Scott, was the highest-ranked Irish Sport Horse in last year’s Hippomundo show jumping rankings in 2023 when he featured in the top-10, while in 2022, the Pacino gelding was the second-highest ranked show jumper.
Injury also put paid to another reserve combination’s chances at Paris when a question mark arose over 16-year-old Franziskus FRH after his rider Ingrid Klimke (GER) felt the horse wasn’t right during training last week.
“We examined him and discovered an injury that required immediate treatment. Unfortunately, this means we are cancelled for Paris."
"The Holkenbrick family [owners], my entire team and I are very sad because we would have loved to experience our first Olympic Games in dressage as a live reserve,” stated Klimke, who has previously represented Germany in eventing at five Olympics Games: Sydney, Hong Kong, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. See her multi-sport results here
Ingrid Klimke © Susan Finnerty
“I wish the entire German team much success and unforgettable days. The Olympic Games are something very special and the biggest dream for us athletes.”
And then there was the shock announcement today that Charlotte Dujardin (GB) has withdrawn from the Paris Olympic Games. The six-time Olympic medallist is the subject of an investigation by the FEI and British authorities after a four-year-old video surfaced prior to Paris.
“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,” read her statement on her Facebook page.
“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.”
Charlotte Dujardin © Susan Finnerty
Dujardin was set to compete Imothep next week. With Valegro, she won a total of four medals (double gold at London, individual gold and team silver at Rio de Janeiro) and two bronze medals at Tokyo with Gio, making her the joint-most medalled British athlete in Olympic history.
