Overview
- During the women’s team sprint qualifying in Tesero on Feb. 18, a dog ran onto the finishing straight, chased skiers and crossed the line to cheers from the crowd.
- Omega’s finish‑line camera and broadcaster footage captured the dash, and the images spread rapidly across social platforms.
- The dog was identified as Nazgul, a two‑year‑old Czechoslovakian wolfdog from a nearby home and bed‑and‑breakfast, whose owners said he slipped out while trying to follow them.
- Race officials caught Nazgul inside the venue and returned him to his owners within about 30 minutes, and the Varesco family told Reuters they have tightened kennel security ahead of the weekend races.
- Athletes’ reactions ranged from amused to alarmed, with Croatia’s Tena Hadzic saying the surprise cost her a few seconds and warning a similar breach in a final could be dangerous; Sweden later won gold in the event.