Using Both Hands
- Physical Education theorists of the early 20th century, especially in the Nordic countries, considered it important that
sportspeople could perform sports activities with the dominant or non-dominant hand. In the 1912 Games, you could demonstrate
your throwing skills either way round. In the Olympic competition you had three trials with the right
hand, then three with the left.
- Both-Hands Javelin: Except for one Hungarian, all the competitors were from the Nordic countries.
Judging from the statistics, all were natural right-handers, with the left-hand throws varying between 30 and 48 metres
(remember they were using javelins of birch-wood, not the hollow metal implements of today).
The winner, Julius Saaristo of Finland, threw 61.00 metres with his right hand, which would have
given him Gold instead of Silver in the conventional event. The top three after the qualifying rounds
were entitled to extra throws to determine the medal positions, but as all three were Finns, they
declined the throws and let the qualifying positions stand. Was there a
political statement behind this? Finland was still a Grand Duchy of Russia and would not gain
full independence until 1919.
- Both-Hands Discus: Armas Tiapale of Finland (right), who had won the conventional event the previous day
with 45.21m, won this event too, throwing 44.68m and 38.18m. There seemed to be more genuinely
ambidextrous competitors, with the throws of C.J. Lind (Sweden) differing by just 38cm. Note the
lack of a throwing cage, and the smart hats of the officials. There was apparently some erratic "wrong-hand" throwing in all three
events. The two-handed throws were scrapped for the next Games (1920); Tiapele competed in
the conventional event (he took Silver), whereas many of his fellow-athletes
would be lost to the carnage of World War One.
- Both-Hands Shot Putt: The conventional event had been won by P. McDonald (USA) from his compatriot
Ralph Rose, but the result was reversed over the 'double' event. Only seven athletes contested
this event, with all being significantly poorer left-handed putters. Ralph Rose had caused
controversy at the 1908 Games in which he had been flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony: he
declined to 'dip' the Stars and Stripes as the American team passed the Royal Box.