Who is Rebecca Passler? Biathlete cleared to compete at Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 after appeal overturned doping suspension

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been cleared to compete at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 after Italy’s anti-doping appeals court overturned her provisional suspension. The National Court of Appeal of Nado Italia has accepted her explanation that the banned substance entered her body purely unintentionally. The decision was confirmed by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), which said that the ruling will allow the young athlete to immediately return to her respective national team setup ahead of the Winter Games next week.

Notably, Passler had tested positive for letrozole in a sample which was taken during her training last month. The drug is commonly used in breast cancer treatment and can also mask steroid effects, making it prohibited in the sport. She had been removed from competition only days before the Winter Olympics began in Italy. Although she will miss the women’s sprint and pursuit races this weekend, the 23-year-old will rejoin the squad from Monday, February 16, well in time for the later events.

National Court of Appeal of Nado Italia accepts Rebecca Passler’s contamination explanation

The anti-doping National Court of Appeal of Nado Italia in a statement ruled that it recognized the “apparent validity” of her claim that the substance entered her system through accidental contamination. The ruling effectively lifted the suspension and restored her eligibility for Olympic competition. Meanwhile, Rebecca Passler has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained she never knowingly took a banned substance like letrozole.

In a statement shared by the Italian Winter Sports Federation, Passler described the past period as extremely stressful and emotionally draining. She said she always trusted that her honesty would be proven and expressed gratitude to her lawyers, the federation, and her family and friends for their support. She added that she can now fully concentrate on biathlon again after the uncertainty surrounding her case.

FISI president Flavio Roda welcomed the decision and said the organization was pleased she could once again be available for team selection. Passler comes from Anterselva, the same Alpine town hosting the Olympic biathlon races, making her return especially meaningful.

Her family also has Olympic history. Her uncle, Johann Passler, won bronze medals in the individual and relay biathlon events at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games.





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