During the women's team sprint qualification at the Milano Cortina Olympics, a dog unexpectedly ran onto the track, creating a moment of surprise and humor for viewers. Initially, the dog posed for cameras before crossing the finish line after the athletes. This incident, although playful in its television presentation, left some athletes feeling uneasy. Argentina's skier Diaz Gonzales mentioned that he was puzzled about what was happening, while Greek athlete Konstantina Charalampidous admitted her shock at first mistaking the dog for a wolf before realizing it was a domesticated animal, which then made her laugh.

The incident sheds light on the breed of the dog, which is deemed dangerous and is thus banned in several countries, drawing attention to the varying regulations around dog ownership globally. Following the incident, the owner of the dog, named Nazgul, was interviewed by a national radio station in the USA. Nazgul is a two-year-old Czechoslovakian breed, which raises questions about the acceptability of such breeds participating in public events or being allowed near competitive sports venues.

Overall, while the event was entertaining and provided a light-hearted moment during the Olympics, it also highlights significant issues regarding animal safety in sports. The reactions of the athletes reflect concerns over safety and the implications of allowing animals in proximity to competitive environments, sparking discussions on pet ownership laws in different countries and the responsibilities of pet owners during public events.