Tesero, Italy – A spirited Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul turned heads worldwide after dashing onto the cross-country ski course at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, racing neck-and-neck with top athletes.[1][2]
An Unexpected Escape Unfolds
The incident occurred on February 18 during the women’s team sprint free qualification heats at the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.[1] Owners Alice and Ernesto Varesco had secured their 65-pound, silver-gray pet inside a spacious kennel within their nearby apartment, surrounded by an eight-foot fence.[3] The family planned a day trip to Anterselva, three hours away, to watch the biathlon event.
Nazgul, a two-year-old known for his stubborn streak and love of company, grew restless as the family departed. He likely nudged a kennel lever repeatedly until it unlatched, then pawed open the house door.[2] For the first time, he slipped through a spectator entrance and bounded toward the trails he recognized from family walks.[4]
Chaos on the Snowy Finish Line
Spectators gasped as the lean wolfdog locked eyes on the skiers ahead, his pricked ears alert and legs pumping furiously down the homestretch.[4] Many mistook him for a wild wolf at first, heightening the surprise. Nazgul crossed the finish line amid the pack and even starred in an official photo-finish image.[1]
One Croatian skier, Tena Hadzic, later described her shock: she wondered if she hallucinated the intruder and feared a bite. Race director Michel Rainer apprehended Nazgul inside the venue, sustaining only a minor nip that required a small bandage.[3] The disruption proved brief, with no impact on medal contenders who had already finished.
Remote Panic Grips the Varesco Family
While aboard the train with their young children, Alice Varesco’s phone buzzed relentlessly with videos from friends. “We were on the train to Anterselva to watch the biathlon,” she recounted. “We were three hours from home when friends started sending us videos. That was the panic moment.”[2]
The family confirmed Nazgul’s identity through the photo-finish shot. Concern lingered all day, even after officials assured his safety. “It was with us the whole day actually,” Alice added. “Even after they told us he was safe, we kept thinking about what could have gone wrong.”[1] Overwhelmed by messages, they silenced their devices to focus on the biathlon.
Viral Fame and Lessons Learned
Footage spread rapidly, delighting viewers and sparking joy amid the high-stakes Games. A family member retrieved Nazgul within 30 minutes, and security around his kennel tightened ahead of the weekend’s 50-kilometer races.[4] Alice noted the positive reception: “People loved him. And it’s good that nothing happened and it was going in a positive way, so everybody was happy.”[2]
The Varescos, former ski racers themselves, believe Nazgul sought them out, accustomed to trailing along those paths. They apologized if the moment distracted athletes but praised his calm demeanor.
Key Takeaways
- Nazgul’s escape highlighted the breed’s intelligence and loyalty, turning a mishap into a feel-good story.
- Quick action by officials ensured safety for all, with minimal race disruption.
- The viral clip reminded fans of the Olympics’ lighter side amid intense competition.
Nazgul’s dash encapsulated the unpredictable charm of the Games, blending athletic prowess with a dog’s boundless energy. What unexpected moments have you witnessed at major events? Tell us in the comments.
