GMVS is proud to share the exciting news that Conrad Sastre (’21) and Tomás Barata (’21), have been named by the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation to the Spanish National Alpine Ski Team. Recognized as two of the best Spanish alpine athletes in their age group world ranking, Conrad and Tomás will have the opportunity to represent their home country and continue to compete against top athletes from North America and Europe.
Hailing from the beautiful city of Barcelona overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, both Conrad and Tomás learned to ski just a few hours away in the Pyrenees Mountains. The athletes skied at different mountains, raced for independent teams, and met thousands of miles away in a small town in Vermont, where Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) became a home away from home.
Conrad learned to ski with his dad when he was two years old in Andorra, a tiny, independent principality, known for its ski resorts, situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Before coming to GMVS, Conrad raced for GRANUEC, a ski club that trains in Pas de la Casa, Andorra. After his first day with the club he was hooked, fell in love with the sport, and knew from that day forward that he wanted to give ski racing his best.
Tomás also learned to ski when he was just three years old, and it was only a few years later at the age of six, that he began racing Ceva, a local race club. Surrounded by fast teammates at Ceva, Tomás was inspired to be like them and aim for the top. While Ceva provided a strong foundation, it wasn’t long before Tomas had developed into a young athlete looking for a place where he could further his racing career while balancing the rigors of high school academics. GMVS was home to other young Spanish racers looking to further their racing career, including his older sister Carla, and Tomás followed suit.
Tomas arrived at GMVS in 2017 as a 9th grader, and Conrad arrived in 2019 as an 11th grader. During their time at GMVS, these athletes have exemplified the grit and resilience it takes to pursue the highest level of ski racing while also engaging in high-level academics at Green Mountain Valley School.
Doug Williams, GMVS Men’s U19 coach notes, “The GMVS Coaches are very proud of both Tomás and Conrad being named to the Spanish Ski Team. This is a direct result of the hard work and dedication they put into on-snow training and physical conditioning during their time at GMVS. Congratulations to both of them and their families, we look forward to working with them and following their progress.”
Conrad and Tomás — congratulations on this hard-earned accomplishment. We are proud to call you Gumbies and look forward to cheering you on as you continue to follow your passion.