French was born in Chelmsford, Essex and he competed for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

French was the youngest member (at age 22) of the men’s team and started playing the sport in school when he was 13.

French said after the announcement was made that "it's a twenty minute ride on the train...and for it to be in London just up the road from me, just a stone's throw away...it's incredible."

[3][5][6] Nathan has seen more than 70,000 young people across the UK to inspire and raise awareness of childhood obesity, delivering healthy workshops and fun volleyball activities to more than 250 primary schools.

The indoor men's competition took place at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, in west London.