cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/59138283
These are Löjtnanterna Wilhelm and Eric Carlberg, the two best members on the Swedish team for group shooting in the Olympic Games of 1912 in Stockholm.
The photographer is unknown, but the license of the photo is CC-BY
I wonder if it might be to stop their other hand from accidentally helping stabilize their shooting hand.
Or from inadvertently moving it in a way that moves the whole body.
Pretty much, but it’s also just comfy. When I’ve shot Olympic style competitions it’s just natural to put your off hand in your pocket, or hook a thumb through a belt loop. Pretty fun stuff. I should start going to the range again…