Helene Mayer fencing for Germany at Olympic games

Helene Mayer fencing for Germany at Olympic games 

Helene Mayer fencing for Germany at Olympic games 

Half-Jewish athlete Helene Mayer fencing for Germany. Mayer was the only Jewish athlete who represented Germany, and she was allowed to do so only under the pressure of international opinion. She won a silver medal in the individual foil event and gave the Nazi salute from the podium. After the Olympics she returned to the United States, where she had been living. Schacherer-Elek, who won gold, and Preiss, who won bronze, were also part Jewish. Mayer is the tall blond fencer.