Tesero, Italy. A dog wandered onto the stadium course in Tesero during a qualifying event and ran across the finish line ahead of the skiers as spectators cheered. Officials later caught the dog, after timekeepers captured an image of it crossing the line.
Dog joins race on finishing straight
The dog entered the course during the qualifying event, spotted athletes on the finishing straight and joined them. After sniffing around, it raced across the line ahead of the skiers to loud cheers from the crowd.
Athletes react to unexpected runner
Sweden’s Jonna Sundling said she enjoyed the moment and noted her family has a dog at home. Sundling, who later won gold with teammate Maja Dahlqvist, said she regarded the dog as a “new member” at the finish and added that it also appeared to want to go through the mixed zone where competitors speak to media.
Switzerland’s Nadja Kaelin said she saw the dog while cooling down on a bike and described the scene as “crazy,” adding she was glad she was already finished because she is somewhat afraid of dogs. Kaelin later won silver with teammate Nadine Faehndrich in the finals race.
Officials intervene after photo captured
Officials eventually took control of the dog, which was wagging its tail. The dog’s finish was recorded in an image captured by timekeepers preparing for a photo-finish.
What do you think about animals entering the course during sporting events?