TESERO, Italy (AP) — A surprise participant in Wednesday’s action at the Milan Cortina Olympics had four legs and zero concern for race times.
As elite cross-country skiers pushed to the finish in the women’s team sprint heats, a dog wandered onto the course and ran with athletes down the straightaway.
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Racers stayed focused as spectators cheered on the canine intruder before it crossed the finish line and was restrained by venue officials.
The dog had slipped away from a local owner while out on a nearby walk, officials later said.
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
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The incident came on the same day and the same course where Olympic history was made: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway won his record 10th gold medal and his fifth of the Milan Cortina Games.
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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