Romero surprises even himself with global rise
At 52, most athletes are likely at that point where their exploits have become an after-dinner conversation with family.
Mikee Romero is just hitting his peak.
He continues to scale the world rankings in polo, backstopping a team whose members are young enough to be his children—and he still doesn’t have any plans of slowing down anytime soon.
If you find that surprising, you’re not alone.
“I, too, am surprised sometimes,” the former deputy speaker at the House of Representatives and Philippine Air Force reservist said.
“It is unheard of and unbelievable to become a world-class athlete at this later stage of my life,” said the noted sportsman. “Especially in such a very demanding sport.”
His growing exploits in polo earned him a special citation from the Philippine Sportswriters Association exactly a week ago, and it is something that will spur him on to reach even greater heights in the sport.
“Especially since my body seems to crave it,” he said.
His pursuit of polo greatness last year began in the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo series in Wellington, Florida. And what a year it turned out to be.
Romero steered GlobalPort-Passion For Polo to a semifinal finish in the C.V. Whitney Cup, a runner-up showing in the USPA Bronze Cup and a quarterfinal appearance in the US Open Polo Championship—the crown jewel of American polo.
Polo is widely considered one of the most physically demanding sports, requiring elite conditioning, balance, endurance and mental focus as they navigate with their horses and execute precise plays.
One mistake may result in injury.
Romero became the first Filipino to break into the Top 25 of the World Polo Tour amateur rankings, and remains the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the list.
These accomplishments elevated not only Romero’s personal standing but also the global profile of Philippine polo.
