A two-year-old Czechoslovakian Wolfdog named Nazgul briefly appeared on the Olympic cross-country ski trails in Lago di Tesero, Italy, during a women's team sprint qualification round. The dog, which had escaped from its owners' apartment, was apprehended by race officials and returned home.
The incident caused a brief interruption but did not significantly impact overall race outcomes.
Course Interruption: A Canine Spectator
Nazgul, a two-year-old Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, ran onto the Olympic cross-country ski course in Lago di Tesero, Italy, during a preliminary qualifying round of a women's team sprint. The dog appeared after the top-ranked athletes had completed their runs, running alongside skiers down the finishing straight.
While Nazgul did not exhibit aggressive behavior towards participants, its presence caused alarm among some racers. Croatian skier Tena Hadzic stated that the encounter likely caused her to lose "some seconds" during her run. However, despite the individual impact, the interruption did not appear to have a significant effect on the overall race results.
The Great Escape: Nazgul's Ingenious Breakout
Nazgul, owned by Enrico and Alice Varesco, was initially secured in a kennel within their apartment, with an eight-foot fence separating their backyard from the ski trails. Owners Alice and Enrico Varesco were notified of the incident after friends sent them videos while they were watching the event remotely.
Alice Varesco initially doubted it was Nazgul due to his confinement, but a high-definition image from the photo-finish camera confirmed his identity. A family member dispatched to the Varescos' apartment reported the dog missing and the house doors open.
It is presumed Nazgul's escape began with an unlatched kennel lever, followed by the dog opening the front door using a paw. He then entered the ski trails by running through an open priority line at the spectators' entrance, moving too quickly for volunteers to intercept him.
Apprehension and Aftermath
Race officials quickly apprehended Nazgul on the course. During his apprehension, race official Michel Rainer reported receiving a minor bite from the dog. Nazgul was returned unharmed to his outdoor doghouse by Enrico Varesco's father.
Following the incident, the Varescos expressed gratitude to the race officials involved in Nazgul's capture and apologized for any potential disruption to the athletes. Security measures for Nazgul's kennel were reinforced to prevent future occurrences.
A handmade sign declaring him 'Nazgul world champion wolfdog' was temporarily displayed on his doghouse but was later removed by the Varescos to avoid attracting excessive public attention. The family has since taken measures to conduct walks discreetly. The incident attracted attention on television and social media, with numerous Olympic athletes characterizing it as humorous.