The next best thing to being Bill Gates, the world’s fifth richest man, worth $156 billion, is being part of his family. Nayel Nassar, the son-in-law of Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates, is making headlines as he prepares to compete for Egypt at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. As expected, his in-laws are showing their support and rooting for Nassar, who is married to Jennifer, the oldest daughter of Bill and Melinda French Gates.
This is Nassar’s second stint in the Olympics, after finishing 24th for Team Egypt in 2020. The 33-year-old previously represented Egypt at the 2012 London Summer Olympics and qualified for the finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
This year, the Chicago-born professional equestrian will compete in the individual equestrian jumping competition, one of three disciplines that include dressage and eventing. Doting mother-in-law Melinda French Gates took to Instagram to shower Nassar with encouragement and support. Her post was captioned, “So excited to watch you compete at the Olympics, @nayelnassar! I’m rooting for you.” Even Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared a story on his Instagram account showing Nassar’s preparation for the Olympics. The mega event becomes even more enjoyable when family is involved, and the Gates family surely knows how to be present for theirs.
Nayel Nassar’s equestrian journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born into a wealthy Egyptian family, Nayel Nassar’s love for horses and horse riding was noticed early on. A seasoned professional today, Nassar started riding at the age of five and was already jumping by the age of ten. He has represented Egypt in several competitions and qualified for the FEI World Cup Finals in 2013, 2014, and 2017, as well as the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2014.
Among his many wins are first place in the Rabat CSIO4* Designated Olympic Qualifier, the New York Masters CSI5* Grand Prix, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Del Mar, and the Las Vegas National Horse Show Winning Round CSI3*. However, the most incredible achievement of the showjumper was qualifying Egypt’s equestrian team for the Tokyo Olympics for the first time in 61 years.
Nayel Nassar married Jennifer Gates, an accomplished elite equestrian, who he met on the equestrian circuit in 2017. The couple who share a love for horses got married in 2021 in a $2 million dreamlike wedding.
