ISLAMABAD: A playful dog in Tokyo and an unexpected canine intruder in Italy captured hearts and headlines, highlighting the lighter, spontaneous side of the Games.
These incidents went viral, offering a reminder that the Olympics can inspire fun and unity beyond competition.
Tokyo rings moment goes viral
On February 17, 2026, in Tokyo, a dog was photographed proudly carrying a set of colourful Olympic-style rings in its mouth. The image quickly went viral, sparking jokes that the animal was offering “paws for thought” to Olympics organisers about creativity, branding, and global appeal.
The photo originally appeared on a Tokyo resident’s social media account and was shared thousands of times within hours. Fans around the world celebrated this spontaneous moment as a reminder of playfulness and fun.
Marketing experts noted that viral images like this show how Olympic symbols resonate far beyond official ceremonies.
Milan-Cortina race intruder
Meanwhile, in Tesero, northern Italy, a dog briefly joined the women’s cross-country team sprint free race at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The dog ran onto the piste behind Greece’s Konstantina Charalampidou and Croatia’s Tena Hadzic, crossing the finish line before organisers collared him and led him away.
Spectators laughed as the dog gamely kept pace, despite not having skis. The interruption was brief and harmless, adding a light-hearted chapter to the Games.
Lessons from canine capers
These episodes highlight that unscripted, playful moments can capture public imagination as much as official events. From viral social media images to on-track interruptions, dogs have reminded audiences worldwide that the Olympics celebrate joy, creativity, and shared experiences.
Sometimes, even at the highest level of sport, it takes a wagging tail to remind the world what the Olympic spirit is really about.
No one harmed
According to AFP, he (the intruder dog) crossed the finishing line, his moment of glory curtailed as he was collared by the organisers and led away — his owner no doubt will have a bone to pick with him when they are reunited. The organisers, while emphasising the safety, acknowledged the moment of joy for spectators.
