Jared Sheldon, the captain of the American team that’s due to play the upcoming FIP II World Arena Polo World Championship, in Virginia, is the current runner up as well. They played the first ever Arena World Championship that took place in Argentina, in 2023, and the American team lost to France in overtime by 9-8. Now, as locals, the Americans will go for the rematch,
Born in Southern California, and with a large experience as an arena polo player that includes several achievements, Jared will captain the American team – who automatically qualified being the host country – for the second consecutive year, this time aiming for gold.
On a personal side, how do you feel about playing for the US the II FIP Arena Polo World Championship for the second consecutive year?
Playing for my country is always such an honor and so special. Having the tournament on home soil this year just makes it even better and I can’t wait to get started and hear the support from our hometown fans.
For how long have you been playing arena polo?
I started playing arena polo with adults when I was 7 years old. I only played in the arena until I was about 15 years old or so when I started to transition a bit to the grass.
What can you tell us about the spots in Virginia? Have you been there?
Virginia is an amazing location. I have played there a few times in high school and also helped with the summer clinic they put on. It’s a top notch venue and with all of the upgrades they made recently I can’t wait to get out there and see what it’s like. I have never been to roseland polo but everything I see and hear says it’s amazing.
What are the expectations for the American team for the tournament? Mostly, if you consider the US made it to the final in Argentina, in 2023 and lost to France by a very narrow score.
The expectations for this tournament are gold or bust. I have calling it the redemption tour after falling short last year. We had the game won at the end but France mounted a last second comeback and got it done in overtime. We have our sights set on Guatemala right now for our first game and then Italy. We are going to take it one game at a time and hopefully that puts us in the championship game the last day.
What are your memories on the I Arena World Polo Championship in Argentina?
AAP did a great job hosting that first championship in Argentina. It definitely was a very steep learning curve with the size of the goals and adapting to the rules but it was a great experience other than falling a bit short in the final. Miguel Torres and Jack McLean were great teammates and we had our chances to get it done.
By Ale Ocampos for PoloHUB Arena 🔥
