Charlotte Dujardin Drops Out of Olympics, Apologizes

Runner-up Charlotte touted her world team silver medallist Imhotep as getting better and better.

After her recent maternity leave, she also impressively demonstrated precisely this with her just ten-year-old Dutch-bred gelding.

London - British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics, citing health reasons. Dujardin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was considered a strong medal hopeful in both the individual and team competitions.

"I am deeply ashamed to have to withdraw from the Olympic Games," Dujardin said in a statement. "I have been struggling with a health issue for some time now, and it has become clear that I will not be able to compete at my best in Tokyo."

Dujardin's withdrawal is a blow to the British team, which is already without Rio Olympic champion Laura Bechtolsheimer. Bechtolsheimer announced her retirement from international competition in May.

Dujardin's top horse, Imhotep, is a 10-year-old Dutch-bred gelding. He is the first horse since Valegro to break the 90 barrier with Dujardin.

Dujardin has not disclosed the nature of her health issue. She is expected to make a full recovery and return to competition in the future.