Xiaobai, the stray dog, runs after a student and finishes third for the 100-meter sprint on Thursday's sports meeting in North Minzu University in Yinchuan, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Photo: Screenshot of a video by the Beijing News

A stray dog won bronze at the 100-meter sprint in a Northwest China university sports meeting on Thursday. 

The white dog Xiaobai has resided for at least four years on campus at North Minzu University in the city of Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. 

The dog accidentally entered the track and after running past three or four runners, finished third, according to a viral video on China's Sina Weibo. 

But Xiaobai did not receive flowers or applause on the podium after his score was canceled for "unqualified participation." The dog was caught and escorted out of the stadium by a school staff a few minutes after the competition. 

Xiaobai is not only active in school activities, but has also attended advanced mathematics, physics and law classes, according to the university's students. The university owes Xiaobai a diploma, some Net users joked. 

Others worried about the alleged risks of a dog on campus. "What if the dog suddenly goes wild and attacks people? Is Xiaobai properly vaccinated?" one Weibo user posted, suggesting the school should not allow strays so close to students. 

Global Times