A returned postcard uncovers the Nazi Party’s willingness to exploit gender fluidity at the 1936 Olympics. The party convinced Hermann Ratjen to compete as “Dora” in the women’s high jump. A postcard, dated 1936, cannot reach Hermann, because that identity is hidden.

The fabricated stamp features Dora Ratjen’s high jump, captured in Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympia. The handstamped marking “Zuruck an Absender” translates to “Return to Sender.” In 1957 Hermann Ratjen admitted to having been persuaded by the Nazi Party to compete in the 1936 Olympics as a woman name Dora.

Special thanks to Ellen Peachey at the American Philatelic Research Library, Jocelyn Davis, and Christian Scheidenman for transcription.