Wolfdog steals show during cross-country skiing event at Winter Olympics

Anyone who decided to tune into the tail-end of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics’ women’s cross-country team sprint qualifiers on Monday morning might’ve started out their day with either the shock of their lives or a hearty laugh.

Following right behind two skiers, a sprinting wolfhound dashed across the finish line to the tune of cheers from the crowd before being wrangled by staff members.

DOG ON THE COURSE AT OLYMPIC SKIING. 🚨

The late entry closes strong at the cross country finish line! pic.twitter.com/o4mO28tXXW

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

The local wolfdog, named Nazgul, broke away from his owner during a morning walk and snuck onto the course where he cemented his Olympic legacy with a picture-perfect finish.

Although the record books won’t show Nazgul going home with any accolades despite his efforts, there is one category where he took home the undisputed gold medal.

Nazgul started the day as just another Italian dog. He’ll end it as a #WinterOlympics legend. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/50H3OWpa8q

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

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