The Egyptian Equestrian Federation announced Saturday that Nayel Nassar is confirmed to be out of the ongoing Paris Olympics after his horse was injured on Friday.
“The horse passed the first inspection on 31 July, but sadly it picked up an injury in the right foot on Friday,” read a statement by the federation.
“After undergoing medical scans, the doctor decided today that the horse won’t be able to participate in the events. The injury came at a critical time as the Olympics’ regulations don’t allow replacing the horse after already passing the first inspection,” the statement added.
Nassar, who came 24 in the final of Jumping Individual Men at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, was due to start his new Olympic campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics by participating in the Jumping Individual Men event on Monday.
According to the federation, Nassar is the sixth equestrian to withdraw from the current prestigious event after the withdrawal of five others from France (one), Holland (one), USA (one), and Mexico (two).
Nassar's international debut came at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, marking the beginning of a decorated career.
Throughout his career, Nassar has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including the 2012 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series title, and secured a 2012 Olympic appearance in London.
In 2013, he claimed victory in the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris, showcasing his exceptional riding abilities.
Nassar's talent extends beyond individual success. He qualified for the FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals in 2013, 2014, and 2017 and the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games.
In 2019, he etched his name in equestrian history, becoming the first rider to win both the Longines Speed Challenge and Grand Prix at the same event with the same horse, Lucifer V.
This collaboration proved instrumental later that year when Nassar and Lucifer V rode double clear in the CSIO Rabat Nations Cup, securing Egypt's first Olympic team qualification in show jumping in 60 years.
Riding his top horse Igor, Nassar qualified for the Tokyo 2020 individual jumping finals with a clean sheet but finished 24th place, while the Egyptian team came in 16th.
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