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

Equipment testers will sometimes ski dozens of miles a day to dial in the right combination of ski, wax and grind work.

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Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo is officially 6 for 6: He's won gold in all six of his cross-country events at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Norway's 29-year-old Olympic legend entered rare air with one more signature kick on Saturday.

In this image taken from video provided by Olympic Broadcasting Services, OBS, a dog runs onto the track near the finish during the heats of the cross-country skiing women's team sprint free at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Olympic Broadcasting Services via AP)

It is the newest, some would contend toughest, Winter Olympic sport but its origins actually date back longer than any other.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo is officially 6-for-6: He's won gold in all six of his cross-country events at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Norway's 29-year-old Olympic legend entered rare air with one more signature kick on Saturday.