Argentinian Polo Star Nic Roldan has always had a winning approach. He played his first tournament by the age of six and went on to win the U.S. Open Polo Championship at the mere age of 15. We check in with the handsome horseman on how he's expanding his endeavors both on and off the field.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? I’m excited to be expanding my portfolio in the real estate sector, flipping properties, acquiring rentals and hopefully bringing a whole new concept to Wellington in 2022. I’m also about to launch my own casual apparel line, which I’m super excited about. It will be available on my website; it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and am passionate about, so I can’t wait to see how it’s received.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH HIGH GOAL LUXURY GIN? I spent several seasons playing in England over the past 10 years and grew an appreciation and love for the gin culture in Europe; it was a space I was keen to get involved in. I was introduced about a year ago through a good friend, Diego Urrutia, to Matti Anttila, founder and CEO of Grain & Barrel Spirits... One breakfast meeting at Sant Ambroeus and before you knew it, the three of us were partners and High Goal Luxury Gin was born.
FAVORITE GIN COCKTAIL? Actually, one of the unique things about High Goal is that it is best drunk on the rocks with a slice of lemon and fresh mint.
WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA? There are lots of different mantras and quotes I like—I even have one on my arm, which reads, ‘If you want to be happy for a moment, seek revenge. If you want to always be happy, forgive.’
WHAT MIGHT PEOPLE FIND SURPRISING ABOUT YOU? I’m left-handed. In polo there is a rule for safety that you have to play with your right hand, which I do; however, I’m actually a lefty.
WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT POLO? That it’s a full-on sport! Many people think polo players roll off their yacht on a Sunday morning and pull on their crispy whities. However, the reality is totally different. There are so many details of this sport requiring an extreme level of dedication; it’s high-intensity and all-encompassing, not to mention full-contact and dangerous being at the mercy of the amazing horses you are riding. Many hours are spent in the gym and recovery to maintain on point. It’s so much more than drinking bubbly and stomping divots!
Photography by: PHOTO BY NICK MELE/COURTESY OF NIC ROLDAN
