Lambert, Margaret Bergmann (1914–)

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Lambert, Margaret Bergmann (1914–)

German-Jewish track-and-field champion. Name variations: Gretel Bergmann. Born Margarethe Gretel Bergmann in Laupheim, Germany, 1914; m. Bruno Lambert (doctor), 1939.

Joined Ulm's athletic club (1930) and began winning events in track and field; despite many medals, was notified by the UFV club (Ulm Soccer club) that she was no longer welcome because she was a Jew (1933); as discrimination intensified, moved to UK and enrolled at London Polytechnic to study English; won British high-jump championship (1934); received notification to return to Germany and compete for the Nazis at Berlin Olympics or members of her extended family, as well as all Jewish athletes, would suffer; was the only Jewish athlete besides Hélène Mayer invited to represent the German team for 1936 Berlin Olympics, though the Nazis eventually refused to let her participate; left Germany for America (1937); won US high-jump and shot-put championships (1937, 1938). Inducted into Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1980).

See also Women in World History.

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