Charlotte Dujardin, a prominent Team GB dressage star, has been caught on video whipping a horse more than 20 times in one minute during a coaching session four years ago. The 39-year-old, who has won six Olympic dressage medals, has been banned from the Paris Olympics over allegations of horse abuse. Experts and activists are speaking out, with horse welfare activist Julie Taylor calling the incident a blow to the image of horse-friendly training that the FEI has been pushing. Professor Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney’s School of Veterinary Science highlights the need for the dressage world to address welfare issues.
Meanwhile, Paris 2024 Olympics are set to kick off with various sporting events including football matches. Notable figures like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are downplaying expectations for their tennis doubles partnership. On the other hand, five Australian women’s water polo players have tested positive for Covid-19 just before the Games, but are following protocols and isolating. As excitement builds for the Olympics, with flag bearers being announced and events starting soon, some controversial incidents and unexpected challenges are surfacing in the lead-up to the prestigious sporting event.
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