Dog Surprises Olympic Ski Race with Photo-Finish Sprint
A charming incident unfolded during the Winter Olympic cross-country events in Lago di Tesero, Italy, when a two-year-old Czech wolfhound named Nazgul sprinted onto the competition course.
Dog Surprises Olympic Ski Race with Photo-Finish Sprint
On February 18, 2026, Nazgul escaped from his enclosure and made a surprise appearance during the women’s cross-country team sprint qualifying race. His sudden entry added an unexpected twist to the Olympic proceedings, captivating both the crowd and announcers alike.
Highlights of the Incident
- Location: Lago di Tesero, Italy
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Dog: Nazgul, a 2-year-old Czech wolfhound
- Notable Athlete: Tena Hadzic, Croatian skier
- Timing Sponsor: Omega with Scan’O’Vision ULTIMATE camera
As Nazgul trotted across the finish line, trailing behind serious competitors, media coverage captured the moment. One announcer humorously remarked, “The biggest cheer of the day, and it’s not for any of the skiers so far.” Fellow commentators joked about the canine’s presence, wryly asking, “Anybody lost their dog?”
Impact on the Race
While the incident brought joy and laughter, it also startled the race participants, particularly Hadzic. “I was like, ‘Am I hallucinating?’” she recounted, acknowledging that the surprise could have affected her performance. She noted that although it occurred during qualifying rounds, similar interruptions in finals could prove stressful for those vying for medals.
Ultimately, Nazgul’s antics did not hinder any serious competitors, as the event remained lighthearted. Hadzic herself stated, “It’s not that big deal, because I’m not fighting for medals or anything big.”
Returning Nazgul Home
Race officials eventually caught up with Nazgul and safely returned him to his nearby bed-and-breakfast accommodation. According to his owner, Nazgul was particularly vocal that morning, indicating he simply wanted to follow his guardians. “He always looks for people,” the owner explained, describing him as “stubborn, but very sweet.”
This delightful moment will likely be remembered long after the competition concludes. As gold medals were awarded, Nazgul emerged as the day’s unexpected star, demonstrating that sometimes, joy and surprise can steal the spotlight in the world of sports.
