Passions: Robert Strom

Robert Strom is a familiar face on the European circuit, having won The French Open, Paris Open, Trophée Bourbon and Trophée Guerrand Hermès in France; The Gold and Bronze Cups in Sotogrande, Spain; The Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz in Switzerland and further afield achievements include The Copa Presidente and Copa Sojo in Argentina and The World Polo League in America!

What is your biggest passion and why?

That’s an easy one, I have to go with polo obviously. It’s all I have known since I was a kid, my grandfather played, my father played, it runs in my blood.

What is your all-time best polo memory?

I had the chance to play with my father for a long time, and we won the last tournament in which he could participate, The Sotogrande Gold Cup in 2020. We won the Final in over time, it was a very special moment this will always be one of my greatest memories on a polo field

Who were/are your favourite teammates?

My father will always be the best teammate I ever had. I also have the chance to play with my brother-in-law Clemente Zavaleta, he’s a very good player and we get along very well. Also, lately I played The French Open with two very good friends, Jaime Serra and Pacho Jaipur and that was a lot of fun.

Hardest opponent?

Playing The French Open against Barto or Jeta Castagnola, that was pretty tough to say the least!

Which sports do you like outside of polo?

I must say I have grown pretty fond of Padel tennis lately, it’s very addictive. Otherwise, alpine skiing and wakeboarding are two sports that I enjoy a lot.

Favourite film and why?

Tough to choose just one but probably The Goodfellas, I’m a big fan of DeNiro and Scorsese

Favourite song/album?

Favourite song would be The Gun by Lou Reed and favourite album would be L.A Woman by The Doors.

Favourite food/dish?

Can’t hide that I’m a big pasta lover, in any form but al dente.

Favourite hobby outside of polo?

I love the sea, and spending part of the summer in the Mediterranean Sea, jumping off cliffs, snorkelling, spear fishing, wakeboarding… I spent a big part of my life there and it always feels amazing to connect with the sea.

Most prized possession?

Apart from horses, the first car I bought, a 1991, black, Jaguar XJS.

Favourite celebrity and why? Mick Jagger, complete legend.

Best holiday destination & activity?

St. Moritz! Or any Italian island during summer.

Best pony and why?

STM Black, she’s a beautiful black mare that came from our breeding and was trained at home. She turned out to be the best horse I ever played. She has won many BPP prizes and quite some notoriety on the polo fields.

Are you passionately superstitious?

Not really, I’m more religious when it comes to that. I just believe in coming well prepared to the game.

Describe yourself in three words… Resilient, trustworthy & Rock’n’Roll

One thing which would surprise us about you?

I can’t ride a motorbike and I enjoy 19th century poetry.