Melinda French Gates cheers for son-in-law Nayel Nassar competing at Paris Olympics: 'Rooting for you'

Nayel Nassar, the son-in-law of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is set to represent Egypt in the equestrian jumping event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nassar, 33, is married to Jennifer Gates, the eldest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates, whom he met through their mutual involvement in the equestrian circuit.

Melinda French Gates expressed her support for Nassar on Instagram, stating, "So excited to watch you compete at the Olympics, Nayel Nassar. I’m rooting for you."

Nassar, a professional equestrian, will compete in the individual jumping event. The equestrian events at the 2024 Summer Olympics feature three disciplines for both individual and team competitions: dressage, eventing, and jumping.

This is not Nassar’s first Olympic appearance. He represented Egypt at the 2012 London Olympics and reached the final in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. His passion for equestrian sports began early; he started riding horses at the age of five and began jumping by the age of ten. Born in Chicago and raised in Kuwait, Nassar has established himself as a seasoned competitor in the sport.

Nassar and Jennifer Gates started dating in 2017, married in 2021, and welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2023. Jennifer Gates is also an accomplished equestrian. Last month, the couple announced they are expecting their second child.