For a few unforgettable seconds, winter sports fans around the world thought they were witnessing something unbelievable.
During a live cross-country sprint event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, what looked like a wolf suddenly appeared on the course — sprinting confidently down the finishing straight alongside professional athletes.
But it wasn’t a wild animal.
It was Nazgul, a two-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog from Tesero.
Now, after his unexpected stadium appearance, Nazgul is safely back home — and his family says a strict new no-escape plan is already in place to make sure it never happens again.
The Wolfdog Who Stunned the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
Nazgul became an overnight internet sensation after dashing onto the Olympic cross-country course during a sprint race at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Spectators initially believed a wild wolf had wandered into the competition. Cameras captured the sleek, wolf-like dog racing down the snow-covered track, creating a surreal moment during the internationally televised event.
In reality, Nazgul is a Czechoslovakian wolfdog — a breed known for its striking resemblance to wolves, high intelligence, and athleticism.
While the interruption was brief, it quickly went viral worldwide.
Owners Learn About the Escape From Viral Videos
Nazgul’s owners, Alice and Ernesto Varesco, were not even in town when the incident occurred. They were traveling by train to Anterselva to watch the biathlon when their phones began lighting up with messages and videos.
“That was the panic moment,” Alice told Reuters. “We realised we could not do anything.”
The realization that their dog had somehow reached an Olympic venue — broadcast live — was overwhelming.
How Did Nazgul Escape?
According to the family, Nazgul had been safely locked inside his kennel at home in Tesero.
They believe he may have repeatedly nudged a lever mechanism out of frustration until it finally gave way. Once free, he likely followed a familiar walking route he usually takes with his owners — which unfortunately led him toward the competition venue.
“He likes to stay with his crew,” Alice explained, suggesting that Nazgul may simply have been trying to reunite with them.
Czechoslovakian wolfdogs are known for their strong attachment to their families and their problem-solving abilities. Combined with physical strength and agility, that intelligence can sometimes lead to surprising escape attempts.
Quick Action Prevented Serious Disruption
Fortunately, race officials reacted swiftly. The race director was able to catch Nazgul inside the venue, and family members retrieved him within 30 minutes.
Most importantly, no athletes were injured and the event continued without major disruption.
By later that afternoon, videos of Nazgul’s snowy sprint were circulating across social media platforms worldwide. What could have been a serious situation instead became one of the most talked-about lighthearted moments of the Games.
A New “Maximum Security” Plan at Home
With additional long-distance races approaching, the Varesco family has made significant changes to prevent another escape.
Rather than attending events in person, they plan to watch from home — with Nazgul firmly within sight.
Security around his kennel has been reinforced, and extra precautions are now in place to ensure he cannot manipulate the latch again.
“We did not think this could be possible,” Alice said. “But it’s good that nothing happened, and in the end, everybody was happy.”
Understanding the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Breed
Nazgul’s dramatic dash also brought attention to his breed.
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog was originally developed through a carefully managed breeding program combining German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves. The goal was to create a working dog with strong endurance and trainability.
Today, the breed is recognized for:
• High intelligence
• Strong loyalty to family
• Athletic stamina
• Escape artistry when under-stimulated
Because of their energy and curiosity, wolfdogs require secure enclosures and consistent supervision. Experts often recommend reinforced fencing and mental enrichment to prevent boredom-related escape attempts.
Nazgul’s owners now understand that even a small mechanical weakness can turn into an unexpected adventure.
From Chaos to Viral Fame
While the incident caused temporary panic for his family, Nazgul’s sprint quickly became one of the most shared Olympic side stories of the week.
Many viewers described the moment as surreal but harmless, and some even praised the dog’s impressive speed.
Still, the Varescos are focused less on viral fame and more on safety.
Their priority now is ensuring Nazgul remains exactly where he belongs — at home.
A Reminder About Responsible Pet Ownership
Nazgul’s story is entertaining, but it also highlights an important lesson about responsible ownership — especially for high-energy breeds.
Strong fencing, secure latches, supervision during large public events, and backup containment plans are essential. Even well-trained dogs can act unpredictably if motivated by attachment or curiosity.
In this case, quick action and a bit of luck prevented injuries or serious disruption.
The family’s reinforced approach shows their commitment to preventing future incidents.
Final Reflection: When Loyalty Leads to Adventure
Nazgul did not sprint onto an Olympic course out of malice or chaos.
If anything, he may have simply been looking for his people.
His story blends humor, surprise, and relief — reminding us that animals often act from instinct and attachment, not intention.
This time, the stadium dash ended safely.
And back in Tesero, Nazgul is under watchful care — with stronger locks, tighter security, and a family determined to keep their viral wolfdog right where he belongs.
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