Bill Gates’ Son-in-Law Nayel Nassar in Controversy After Egyptian Funds Come in Question at Paris Olympics

The equestrian events are currently underway at the historic Chteau de Versailles. As many have impressed so far, Bill Gates’ son-in-law Nayel Nassar has put Egypt on the map by contesting on the world’s biggest stage. This will be his third contention in the Summer Games. However, a recent controversy has derailed this achievement. It has come to light that a whopping 10-person delegation was sent along with the rider and his horse to the French capital. The general consensus is that many don’t understand what the purpose for this could be.

The team, comprising administrators, groomers, horse owners, and trainers, have followed the rider to the Summer Games. But many believe this has been done on the nation’s dime instead of Nassar’s. After a huge public outroar on social media, the Egyptian Equestrian Federation stepped in to squash these claims. But it was all in vain. Lovin Cairo broke the news on X, “Egyptian social media is abuzz with criticism after it was announced that a 10-person delegation was sent to support Nayel Nassar, Bill Gates’ son-in-law, who is competing for Egypt in equestrian jumping at the Paris Olympics.” Will this play a huge part in his contention on the world’s biggest stage?

Nayel Nassar’s contention under heavy scrutiny

The statement by EEF confirmed that the nation did not fund Nayel Nassar’s contention in the Paris Olympics. The equestrian, who lives in America, traveled to the French capital with his training staff at his own expense. They further reiterated that the Federation was informed of this decision, and he waived off any financial support from them for himself and his team. This was under the indication that the Federation was going to transfer nine administrators to France, but that doesn’t seem like the case.

The 33-year-old has continued to make strides in the show-jumping circuit. However, this isn’t the first time he is representing his nation in the Summer Games. He had his first two stints at the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While he qualified to the finals in the latter, he didn’t return home with an Olympic medal to his name. He is back on the world’s biggest stage to clinch his very first Olympic medal, and will now show off his skills in the jumping events at the French capital.

Nayel Nassar turned heads back in March when he contested at the Winter Equestrian Festival 9. The rider clinched a bronze medal in the CSI5* Hermes 1.50m. However, the most memorable notch in his incredible career was when he won the CSIO4*-W Nations Cup of Rabat. This catapulted him to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a feat he achieved after 61 arduous years. Despite not making it to the podium, his dream of being an Olympian never faded. 

Nassar shares his passion for the sport with his wife, Jennifer Gates

For those that don’t know, Nassar and Jennifer are a power couple in the sport. The eldest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates has had her share of professional competitions. Having fallen in love with the sport at a very young age, she later found success with horses like Capital Colnardo and Pepperpot. Even though she hasn’t fulfilled her dream of competing in the Olympics like her husband, she has found another way to stay involved. She is the owner of the Evergate Stables. 

Nassar is often seen aboard horses like Night Star and ESI Ali, who happen to be from Evergate. They may seem to have a classic love story. However, the sport plays an essential role in their relationship. “He’s a professional, and I do this as an amateur. So, to be able to share our love and passion for horses with each other is just incredible.” While she was excited about his contention in Paris, the rider got a shoutout from his mother-in-law on social media too. “So excited to watch you compete at the Olympics, @nayelnassar! I’m rooting for you 🥰” 

Jennifer Gates’ goals have shifted, and won’t be competing at the Olympics herself. But her enthusiasm for her husband’s Olympic journey never ceases to tug at a few heartstrings. It’s apparent how important the sport is to both of them. Despite the controversies overshadowing Nayel Nassar’s participation, his goal at the Games remains certain. He will be vying for a shiny Olympic gold at the French capital. Will the equestrian be able to pull it off?