Historical Figures

Aimée Lallement, Righteous Among the Nations

Aimée-Marie Éléonore Lallement (1898-1988) was a socialist and feminist activist and was also a world champion in track and field events. She was awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations for saving a boy during World War II.

Olympic Games for women

Aimée Lallement was born on August 16, 1898 in Givet, into a family of teachers. Exiled to Versailles by the First World War, she studied there and became a teacher herself.

Aimée quickly began to campaign for women's rights, inspired by Finland, Norway and Denmark where women had been able to vote since 1906. Shocked by the fact that the Olympic Games did not accept women, she took advantage of the 1924 Olympics in Paris to organize parallels; she distinguished herself there in particular in the 110-meter and javelin throwing events. A member of the Socialist Party, she frequented Irène Joliot-Curie there.

Yankel Rescue

During the Second World War, Aimée Lallement lived in Reims and there met the Przedborz, a Jewish family. In 42, the mother of the family, Brandla, was arrested and then deported to Auschwitz, and Aimée offered her help to the Przedborz. When the father, Isaac, is in turn arrested, his son Yankel flees through the roofs and takes refuge with Aimée who hides him in the home for young girls of which she is director. For more security, she then takes her to her country house where the village teacher, friend of Aimée and socialist activist, sees to her education. Yankel lived there until the Liberation, surviving on produce from the garden and sharing Aimée's ration card. After the war, no member of the Przedborz family returned, and Aimée adopted Yankel.

After World War II

Aimée continues to get involved and campaign, particularly within the Socialist Party as a leader of socialist women. She acts for the defense of human rights. In parallel with these commitments, she maintains a regular sporting activity.

Aimée Lallement died on September 11, 1988. For her action during the Second World War, she received the title of Righteous Among the Nations.


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