synopsis When an autocratic dictator enforces religious discrimination as a cornerstone of patriotism, the human toll takes many forms.
Margaret Lambert was a decorated athlete and many track and field observers considered her to be the best high jumper in the world. Poised to represent her Germany in the 1936 games, just days before the competition, she was given a letter disclaiming she was "disqualified" and was replaced with a mysterious jumper whose participation raised more questions than answers.
Fearing her future after her expulsion from the Olympics and ever increasing power of the Nazi regime in Germany, Margaret fled to the United States to create a new life for herself and vowed to never return to Germany. Her Olympic career was over on that fateful day in 1936, but her story was far from finished. Today, at 102 years old, living in Queens, New York, Margaret tells her story with the help from various members of the international sports community who were all an integral part of keeping her story alive.
Margaret shares her story with clarity. With the passage of time, her home country has made efforts to address the past. Margaret's attitude and acceptance of her history are compelling and at times, emotionally wrenching. This film includes historic footage juxtaposed with interviews of Margaret, her family, the members of the German Olympic team.
director Nina Horowitz lives in brooklyn, NY, USA.
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