Meet Nazgul: The Dog Who Crashed An Olympic Ski Race And Nearly Won

February 19, 2026

Athletes weren’t the only ones racing for glory this week.

In the middle of a cross-country ski event in Lago di Tesero, an unexpected competitor burst onto the homestretch: a two-year-old dog named Nazgul.

Nazgul's photo finish / Credit: Omega

The determined pup had apparently had enough of being left behind.

Nazgul, a “stubborn but very sweet” Czechoslovakian wolfdog, managed to break free from his doghouse at a nearby bed-and-breakfast and make a run straight onto the course — right as skiers were heading toward the finish line.

Croatian skier Tena Hadzic, 21, was one of the athletes who suddenly found herself sharing the track.

“I was like, ‘Am I hallucinating?’” she said later.

The Olympics even snapped a photo finish of Nazgul crossing the line — a moment that quickly lit up social media around the world.

One commenter joked, “I love that they got a photo finish of the dog crossing the line.”

Another added, “Releasing the hounds on cross-country skiers would certainly spice up the contest.”

According to Nazgul’s owner, who later spoke with NPR, the adventurous pup had been crying more than usual that morning as he watched his humans leave.

“He was crying this morning more than normal because he was seeing us leaving — and I think he just wanted to follow us,” his owner explained. “He always looks for people.”

And follow them he did.

DOG ON THE COURSE AT OLYMPIC SKIING. 🚨

The late entry closes strong at the cross country finish line! pic.twitter.com/o4mO28tXXW

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

While Nazgul may not be officially entered in the next Olympic Games, he certainly won over viewers everywhere — proving that sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t on the podium.

Sometimes, they’re covered in fur.