Wolfdog Breaks Free, Disrupts Winter Olympics Ski Competition and Captures Spectators
During the women’s cross-country skiing team sprint qualifying event at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, February 18, an unexpected last-minute participant took center stage and swiftly became a crowd favorite: a 2-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul.
The viral footage depicts competitors from Croatia and Australia nearing the finish line when the dog unexpectedly joined the course. The sporty pup paused to gaze at the cameras before spotting the skiers and instinctively racing after them. Nazgul then charged down the homestretch, joining the weary athletes along with a throng of volunteers and onlookers. The Games’ Scan’O’Vision ULTIMATE camera recorded Nazgul as he crossed the finish line, immortalizing his moment of fame in an official Olympic photo.
One of the athletes, 21-year-old Croatian skier Tena Hadzic, was taken aback to see the dog on her route. She reminisces, “I was like, ‘Am I hallucinating?’” Fortunately, Nazgul did not disrupt the competitors’ performance. However, the playful pup was not supposed to be outside at all. His owner, Alice Varesco, noted that she had securely placed him in his kennel before departing for the day. Determined to join the fun, the enterprising wolfdog somehow broke free and followed them to the Games.
After friends informed her that Nazgul was spotted at the venue, Varesco initially found it hard to believe, as he had never escaped before. But upon viewing the pictures, she recognized him immediately by his unique fur patterns.
“He was probably very upset that he couldn’t accompany us,” Varesco said. “We usually take him to see the Cross-Country World Cup. He likely wanted to join us because he saw us leaving.” She added, “He is headstrong, adventurous, but also very gentle and sociable. He interacts really well with people.”
Since his unexpected Olympic appearance, Nazgul has won hearts globally, and some individuals on social media are even advocating for him to receive a medal. Who knows, perhaps Nazgul’s sprint will spark a brand-new Winter Games exclusively for dogs.