Interview At The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936?

Margaret Lambert In preparing an exhibit entitled “The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936” for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) Exhibition Department, Randy M. Goldman interviewed Ms. Margaret Lambert on May 20, 1996. I chose to report on Lambert because she was born in Germany and experienced the effects of the Nazi regime. Her love of all sports and her natural athletic ability helped her win at the British Championships. Despite personal hardships, she overcame obstacles and tried to make peace with her past. Lambert was born Gretl Bergman in Laupheim, Germany on April 12, 1914. Lambert and her family were Jewish but didn’t practice organized religion at home. Lambert recalls there not being any distinction between her and children with other religious preferences. From the age of six, Lambert went to a local sports club where she was taught various sports. The differences between her family and others were brought to light in 1933 when Lambert received a letter from the sports club saying she was no longer welcome because she was Jewish. Jews across Germany were now
What resonates with me is her description of her childhood when she was treated just like the other kids around her. Lambert’s determination to not just sit around and wait for something to happen is inspiring. I was pleased when Lambert said that she was going to try to finally make peace with her past. Lambert stated she had been asked to return to Germany several times but would never again step foot in Germany. Did Lambert stick to her resolve or did she finally go back to Germany? What school did Lambert attend while in England? Did Lambert ever complete her college education? Did Lambert coach other athletes and share her determination? For a future research paper, one might check to see if there have been other Olympic hopefuls that were used for political purposes only to have their dreams