Reliving History with Konrad Bartelski: Insights from 43 Years Post-Val Gardena Podium

In the latest episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast, Matt and Alan had the opportunity to chat with the first and only British man to score a FIS World Cup downhill podium, Konrad Bartelski.

Bartelski shared with the podcast the trips to Austria he took from the age of three. He also convinced his father to extend their vacation in Kitzbühel to watch the Hahnenkamm downhill when he was an aspiring ski racer.

Additionally, he talks about the international dismissal of British ski racers and disregard for the Union Jack in alpine competition. Konrad recounted his inaugural Olympic experience at the age of 17, which took place in Sapporo in 1972, sharing anecdotes from the initial stages of his professional career.

Konrad’s big moment came in December 1981 when he finished second to Erwin Resch, missing a historical victory by just 11 hundredths of a second. Found out in this interview what beats this, in Konrad’s opinion, as the best moment of his fantastic career.

Bartelski also talks about several things he has accomplished in retirement, including broadcasting on the BBC’s Ski Sunday as well as photography, something that he’s taken to in the last 6 years. A hobby that allows him to capture picturesque winter and alpine scenery that allows him to feel involved in the sport long beyond his racing career.

Alan and Matt also gave a quick preview and their thoughts on the events this alpine ski racing weekend with the speed events in Val Gardena for the men and the two Super-G’s, where Lindsey Vonn will make her much-anticipated return to FIS World Cup competition for the women in St. Moritz.

This is part of the second series of the Skiing is Believing podcast. Their next episode will be available on Saturday, reviewing the races in Val Gardena and day one in St. Moritz. If you’d like to find out more, head to Spotify, YouTube, or Instagram, @skiingisbelievingpodcast. You can also contact Matt and Alan via email at mattgarcka.skiingisbelieving@gmail.com. The Skiing is Believing podcast appreciates any advice/feedback that you can offer. Thank you and enjoy!