Nazgul, a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, became an unexpected star of the Winter Games on Wednesday when he broke through security and onto the cross-country skiing course, bounding down the finishing straight to huge cheers from a delighted crowd.

In this image taken from video provided by Olympic Broadcasting Services, OBS, a dog runs onto the track near the finish during the heats of the cross-country skiing women's team sprint free at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Olympic Broadcasting Services via AP)

A dog stole the show on the mountain while members of Team Croatia and Team Australia were getting ready to cross the finish line in women’s cross-country skiing during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

This is part of Slate’s 2026 Olympics coverage. Read more here.

Three Croatian men arrived at the Olympics in Milan in a way you would not expect. They are continuing their tradition of biking to the Games every two years.