Feb 19 • 10:52 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

At the Olympics - an unexpected competitor: a dog chased both the camera and the athletes

During Olympic team sprint skiing competitions, a dog unexpectedly became the center of attention by playfully chasing athletes and posing for cameras.

At the Olympic team sprint skiing competitions held at noon, four Lithuanian athletes, including Tautvydas Strolia and Modestas Vaičiulis, were competing in the men's category, while Eglė Savickaitė and Ieva Dainytė were in the women's. During the women's race's second half, a dog unexpectedly appeared on the track. The dog joyfully hopped along in the snow, pausing several times to pose for television cameras and playfully chasing the athletes, ultimately finishing in sheer delight. Viewers were treated to a photofinish featuring the spirited pooch.

NPR's inquiries revealed that the attention-grabbing canine is a two-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgulas. At the time of the spectacle, his owners were watching biathlon competitions nearby. Nazgulas seemed to be seeking companionship, as he had been behaving unusually sad that morning due to his owners' departure. His owner explained that Nazgulas, like many dogs, always craves social interaction.

This playful episode highlights the unique and sometimes unpredictable moments that can occur during major sporting events, showcasing not only the competitive spirit of athletes but also the heartwarming charm of animals, which can bring joy and laughter to an audience otherwise focused solely on competition. The unexpected appearance of Nazgulas turned an otherwise serious event into a memorable light-hearted moment, emphasizing how animals can connect with people and uplift spirits.

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