LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Margaret Lambert upon the occa-
sion of the reinstatement of her high jump record by the German Athlet-
ics Federation on Monday, November 23, 2009

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Margaret Lambert upon the occasion of the reinstatement of her
high jump record by the German Athletics Federation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize Margaret Lambert,
an eminent woman of such indomitable spirit and dedication, whose
purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as an inspiration
to others; and
WHEREAS, On November 23, 2009, the German Athletics Federation
restored Margaret Lambert's 1936 high jump record that would have
allowed her to compete in the 1936 Olympics; additionally, the group
recommended she be inducted into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, The Nazis had forced Margaret Lambert to join their Olympic
team after hearing of her success as an athlete in England, where she
had moved to in 1933; she won the British High Jump Championship in
1934, after which Nazi officials threatened her family if she did not
become part of their Olympic team; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Lambert, whose name was Gretel Bergmann before she
legally changed it after moving to the United States, had spent two
years on the Nazi Olympic team when she matched the German record and
jumped 5 feet 3 inches; German authorities refused to recognize her
great achievement and would not allow her to compete in the Olympics;
and
WHEREAS, Upon learning of their decision and after two of the most
frightening years of her life, Margaret Lambert yearned to leave her
home country; in 1937, she moved to New York City's Upper West Side to
live with her brother; and
WHEREAS, An exceptional athlete, Margaret Lambert began competing
again and became a track star in the United States; she was an American
Champion in women's high jump in 1937 and 1938 as well as in women's
shot put in 1937; however, she never competed in the Olympics and
stopped competing after World War II began in 1939; and
WHEREAS, After her athletic career, Margaret Lambert worked as a house
cleaner for many years and moved to Jamaica Estates with her husband
Bruno, in 1955; they have been married for 71 years and have two sons,
Glenn and Gary; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, who has experienced tragedy and the
greatest of atrocities, as well as the incredible joys and sorrows char-
acteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to
savor a full life, has inspired the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to recognize Margaret
Lambert for the courage and fortitude she has displayed throughout the
years of her life; with her tremendous pride for her heritage, and her
will to never give up, she has benefited the world in immeasurable ways;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Margaret Lambert upon the occasion of the reinstatement of

her high jump record by the German Athletics Federation on November 23,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Margaret Lambert.