Nazgul the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Joins Olympic Ski Race

At the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul wandered onto the course during the February 18 women's cross-country skiing team sprint qualifiers and joined skiers racing toward the finish. Nazgul had escaped from his home and accompanied two skiers as they completed their part of the race.

Croatian skier Tena Hadzic recalled, "I was like, 'Am I hallucinating? I don't know what I should do, because maybe he could attack me, bite me.'" Fortunately, Nazgul posed no threat to the racers, and the top finishers had already completed the course. The dog's owner, granted anonymity for the interview, said Nazgul is two years old and had been crying more than usual that morning because he saw them leaving and wanted to follow.

The owner added that he "always looks for people" and is a "stubborn, but very sweet" wolfdog. Event officials quickly apprehended Nazgul and returned him to his home at a nearby bed-and-breakfast.

Italy, Milan Cortina

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