Rebecca Passler Rejoins Italian Biathlon Team After Successful Appeal
Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler was reinstated to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics team on Monday after successfully contesting her suspension for doping following a positive test for the banned substance letrozole.
The 24-year-old athlete claimed in her appeal that the letrozole contamination originated from the spoon she used to enjoy Nutella-hazelnut spread for breakfast the day before the test, which took place at her grandparents’ home. She stated she was taking the substance as part of her treatment for breast cancer.
Passler initially faced doping allegations after having tested positive during an out-of-competition test in late January, with results indicating the presence of letrozole shortly before the games began.
According to reports, she vehemently denied the doping claims and filed an appeal with Italy’s national anti-doping agency, NADO. Passler expressed that she was not aware her mother had been prescribed letrozole for breast cancer. After returning home from a World Cup in the Czech Republic on January 24, she spent time with her family, during which she shared the Nutella using the same spoon as her mother.
The appeal filing mentioned that “the athlete lacked complete knowledge of her mother’s medical situation and did not know that her mother was on medication or that it was kept out of reach.”
On Friday, NADO approved Passler’s appeal, allowing her to return to the biathlon team. While NADO’s ruling was in her favor, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) noted that this decision is provisional. A tribunal on anti-doping issues at NADO is expected to review the case later.
“These past few days have been very challenging. I have always trusted my integrity,” she remarked after her appeal was granted. She added that she could now fully focus on biathlon.
Reports indicate that Passler rejoined the Italian team on Monday afternoon, resuming training at the Anterselva biathlon stadium following the end of her suspension. She spent several hours skiing and practicing at the shooting range with her teammate Michela Carraro, all under the guidance of coach Klaus Hellligl. She reportedly appeared composed and focused during her training session. The names of athletes set to participate in the upcoming relay are expected to be announced soon.
