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ROLDAN ROLDAN THE FACE OF AMERICAN POLO Nic Roldan has been dubbed the David Beckham of polo, the modern day Mr. Darcy and was once ranked amongst Town & Country's Top 50 Bachelors of the Year. Let us not forget, however, the man is an athlete first and one of the top professionals in his field, at that. Sure he's been photographed on holiday in the Hamptons, hanging with the British royal family and even once appeared alongside the Kardashians on an episode of their E! Network television show, but polo isn't all socialites in flouncy hats and collared shirts. Although it can be, Roldan told me when we spoke. His current mission as reigning captain of the US Polo Team, aside from reaching an ambitious 10- goal handicap, is to demystify the sport here in the States and bring its popularity to the masses. As someone who comes from a long lineage of polo professionals, you could say that the sport comes quite naturally to Roldan, or at the very least, runs through his veins. Born in Argentina, Roldan is a fourth-generation polo player whose father once played for the Sultan of Brunei. A few years aer Roldan was born, his family moved to a polo farm in Wellington, Florida where by age 3, he was riding horses with his father and by age 5, was learning the beloved pastime. It wasn't long until Roldan earned the title as the youngest player in history to win the US Polo Open title at 15, and now, at 35, he's focused on making polo more accessible. rough numerous philanthropic efforts and brand ambassador opportunities, Roldan hopes his passion for the sport extends to audiences across the globe. I recently had the chance to speak with Roldan before he headed off to Argentina where he'll compete in the prestigious Argentine Open. Roldan will be the only American to play at such an advanced level since 2011. BY ABBY MONTANEZ • PHOTOS BY CHRIS ORANGE V U E N J . C O M 91

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