Billionaire Bill Gates’ son-in-law withdraws from Olympic equestrian event due to horse injury

Equestrian Nayel Nassar (L) and his wife Jennifer Gates, daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Photo from Nassar’s Instagram

On August 3, Nassar announced on Instagram: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce our withdrawal from the 2024 Olympic Games.”

“After successfully passing the first veterinary inspection earlier this week, Coronado unfortunately sustained a minor injury in the days after, and regretfully we must end our Olympic journey here,” he added. “This decision was made after thorough discussions with our veterinary team and the Egyptian Federation, and we all agree that it is our duty to prioritize Coronado’s long-term health and recovery.”

Nassar also noted the competition’s strict rules, which prohibit any substitutions after the initial horse inspection, forcing their complete withdrawal.

“While this setback is gutting, horse welfare remains our utmost priority and we are taking solace in the fact that we are making the best decision for the well-being of our fabulous horse, Coronado,” he emphasized, underscoring his commitment to Coronado’s well-being.

He concluded his announcement by wishing his colleagues luck in the remaining competitions, reflecting sportsmanship and optimism for future events.

As reported by The New York Post, Jennifer also expressed her thoughts on her private Instagram account, stressing the importance of the horse’s welfare: “The horse’s welfare always comes first.”

“A huge disappointment to not be able to compete but I am still just as proud as ever of Nayel Nassar and Evergate Stables,” she remarked.

Evergate Stables is a horse farm in Wellington, Florida co-operated by Jennifer and Nassar.

Nassar, 33, started riding at five and began jumping at 10. He is a regular competitor on the international Grand Prix circuit.

A 2013 Stanford economics graduate, Nassar married Jennifer, 28, in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child in 2023 and are expecting a second.

Nassar had previously participated in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, contributing to Team Egypt’s qualification for its first equestrian event in 61 years.

As of August 6, Forbes estimated Bill Gates’ net worth at US$127.4 billion, ranking him as the eighth richest person in the world.