Nayel Nassar, husband of Bill Gates’ eldest daughter Jennifer, will represent Egypt in the equestrian event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nassar, who is Egyptian-American, also competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and ranked 16th and 24th in team and individual events.
Nassar’s equestrian career
Nassar started his equestrian career as a teenager. His inclusion in the Egyptian Olympic team highlights the growing influence of equestrian sports in Egypt.
Melinda Gates, the mother of Nassar’s wife, expressed her support for him in a social media post by stating: “So excited to watch you compete at the Olympics, @nayelnassar! I’m rooting for you 🥰”
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Facing criticism
Nassar’s participation in the Olympics has been fraught with controversy. His large support team — his ten-person delegation to Paris — has captured public attention, raising questions about whether such arrangements are necessary.
The Egyptian Equestrian Federation has denied financial support for the athlete’s team. Despite the drama, Nassar is focused on his goal– the equestrian competition. He aims to achieve his first Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Source: Times of India