A surprise participant in Wednesday’s action at the Milan Cortina Olympics had four legs and zero concern for race times.

Axar.az informs, citing AP, 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.

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.

TOTALLY PAW-SOME. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/zNwaKlrDEv

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026