Gottfried von Cramm: The Tennis Star Who Challenged the Nazis

With Wimbledon comes a flood on Instagram, filled with strawberries and cream photos, but it's also a perfect moment. A moment where we remember how this iconic tournament intersects with LGBTQ+ history. Sure, many know legends like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratolova, but there's one trailblazer from an earlier era who deserves a spotlight: Gottfried von Cramm.

Gottfried von Cramm: A tennis pioneer

In 1930s Germany, Gottfried von Cramm was a powerhouse on and off tennis courts. Despite playing under Nazi rule, he reached astonishing heights. He hit number two in global rankings in 1934 and 1936, then snagged that top spot in 1937.

Von Cramm made his mark by winning twice at what we now call Roland Garros. In 1934, he became a tennis trailblazer as he snagged a Grand Slam singles title—being not from America, Britain, Australia, or France. Throughout his career, he appeared in five more Grand Slam singles finals. At Wimbledon, he faced off against British legend Fred Perry and was runner-up from 1935 through 1937. His dedication eventually earned him a place in tennis history when he was inducted in 1977 in International Tennis Hall.

In 1933, teaming up with Hilde Krahwinkel, a German-Danish star, they claimed a mixed doubles victory at Wimbledon, coinciding with Nazi rise in Germany. Quite a feat in such challenging times.

Navigating personal and political storms

While his talent shone on court, off it, von Cramm carried a heavy burden. Due his sexuality, he faced both personal and political turmoil. Under Nazi rule's Paragraph 175, homosexuality was illegal, so he had live in shadows. When arrested, he revealed a long-term relationship with Manasse Herbst, a Jewish actor. At time, von Cramm was married Baroness Elisabeth Lisa von Dobeneck, but they parted ways in 1937. Later, he wed wealthy heiress Barbara Hutton in 1955, yet that union also ended after four years.

In 1938, he was given a year in prison, partially accused sending funds Herbst in Palestine. The public outcry was significant, and a plea by American tennis player Don Budge, directed squarely at Hitler, cut his sentence in half.

After getting out, von Cramm returned, competing at Queen's Club Championships in London, though he couldn't play at Wimbledon because his record.

Standing firmly against Nazi doctrine

Nazis wanted von Cramm as their Aryan poster boy, yet he defied them with courage. He didn't bow down; instead, he became a part anti-Nazi resistance. During WWII, though initially conscripted, he was dismissed from military due criminal record. Coaching in Sweden, he supported Operation Valkyrie, a daring but failed mission try and take out Hitler.

Von Cramm lost prime years in his tennis career due war and imprisonment, but he pushed on, achieving much before retiring in 1952. His life ended too soon in 1976 in a car accident, yet his legacy lives on. Germany awarded him its highest sports honor, Silver Laurel Leaf, recognizing his bravery and contributions.

Von Cramm's story has been told in different ways, including a Radio 4 play in 2011 and a recent documentary, "Playing Survive." It makes you wonder, doesn't it, how much one person can endure and still leave such an impact?

What do you think about Gottfried von Cramm's lasting legacy? We'd love hear your thoughts—join discussion in comments below. Remember, let's keep it respectful!