Biathlete Cleared for Olympics After Doping Scare

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been cleared to compete at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 following a decision by Italy's anti-doping appeals court. The National Court of Appeal of Nado Italia overturned her provisional suspension, recognizing the "apparent validity" of her claim that the banned substance, letrozole, entered her system through accidental contamination.

Passler, who had tested positive for letrozole last month, a substance used for breast cancer treatment and to mask steroids, was initially removed from competition. However, the court's ruling allows her to return to the national team setup. While she will miss early events, the 23-year-old is expected to rejoin her squad in time for later competitions.

Passler has consistently denied knowingly taking banned substances and described the situation as stressful. She expressed gratitude for the support of her lawyers, the federation, and her loved ones. Her potential participation is particularly meaningful as she hails from Anterselva, the same town hosting the Olympic biathlon races. Her family also has Olympic ties, with her uncle, Johann Passler, having won medals in biathlon at the 1988 Calgary Games.