She won’t see the snow in Milan-Cortina. Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, selected for the 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6-22), was the subject of a positive doping test, the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado) said this Monday four days before the opening ceremony of the Games.
Analysis of the sample, the body said, revealed the presence of letrozole, an anti-estrogen used in the treatment of breast cancer. Rebecca Passler, 24, was “consequently provisionally suspended”, added Nado.
Seven-time world medalist among juniors between 2019 and 2022, the Italian had participated in several rounds of the World Cup this season, notably finishing in 11th place during the mass start of Grand-Bornand and the sprint of Oberhof, the two best results of her career.
At 24, Rebecca Passler was to compete in her first Olympic Games as part of an Italian team which can aim for several podiums in biathlon, notably during relays with Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi. She will ultimately not appear in the selection because of this last minute positive test and her provisional suspension.
