Wolfdog Nazgul Crashes Olympic Finish Line in Viral Cameo

It wasn’t on the official start list but it may have stolen the show.

During Wednesday’s women’s team sprint cross-country race at the Milan Cortina Olympics, a silver-gray wolfdog named Nazgul darted onto the course and crossed the finish line alongside the final racers, creating one of the Games’ most unexpected viral moments.

For a split second, some spectators thought a wolf had wandered into the Olympic venue. The photo finish later revealed the truth: Nazgul, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog belonging to the Varesco family.

As the last skiers powered toward the finish, Nazgul sprinted onto the track, lingering briefly before following the athletes straight through the line. Fortunately, the top medal contenders had already completed the race, and officials quickly secured the dog inside the venue.

Croatian skier Tena Hadzic admitted the moment was surreal.

“I was like, ‘Am I hallucinating?’” she said. “I don't know what I should do, because maybe he could attack me, bite me.”

No athletes were harmed, and the race results were unaffected. Within half an hour, Nazgul was safely back home.

The Varesco family, who live near the competition area and are related to an event official, were not present when the escape occurred. They had boarded a train to Anterselva to attend a biathlon event.

“We were three hours from home when friends started sending us videos,” Alice Varesco told reporters. “That was the panic moment.”

According to the family, Nazgul had been unusually vocal that morning, possibly distressed as they prepared to leave. They believe he repeatedly hit a lever that opens their door something he had never done before.

“He wanted to look for us,” Alice explained. “He likes to stay with his crew.”

Czechoslovakian wolfdogs, a breed developed in the 1950s by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, are known for intelligence, endurance, and strong pack instincts. Adult males can weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and are capable of impressive speed and stamina traits that made Nazgul’s Olympic sprint surprisingly believable.

Major international sporting events often produce unforgettable human performances. Occasionally, they deliver something entirely different.

Nazgul’s dash to the finish line quickly circulated across social media, adding a lighthearted chapter to an otherwise intense Olympic schedule. The Milan Cortina Games have already featured dramatic finishes, but few moments matched the unexpected charm of a wolfdog joining the competition.

While Olympic security is typically tight, officials confirmed Nazgul’s appearance posed no lasting safety risk and did not disrupt medal outcomes.

For the Varescos, the moment was equal parts relief and lingering anxiety.

“Concern, for sure,” Alice said. “Even after they told us he was safe, we kept thinking about what could have gone wrong.”

In the end, Nazgul returned home unharmed and inadvertently secured his place as one of the most memorable mascots the Olympics never planned for.

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