Italy’s Winter Olympics team has been hit by a doping controversy on the eve of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with biathlete Rebecca Passler testing positive for a banned substance and being provisionally suspended from competition.
The development, confirmed by Italy’s anti-doping authorities and the National Olympic Committee, marks the first doping case associated with the Games, which open with the ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium on Friday.
Passler, 24, tested positive for letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor included on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. Letrozole is medically used in the treatment of certain cancers. However, it is banned in sport because it can be used to counteract the side effects of anabolic steroids and affect hormone levels, giving an unfair performance edge. The positive result came from an out-of-competition test conducted shortly before the Games.
As a result of the positive finding, the National Anti-Doping Tribunal accepted a request from the anti-doping prosecutor’s office to impose a provisional suspension. This means Passler will not compete in Milan-Cortina 2026 and is excluded from the Italian Olympic team. Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI) has announced her immediate removal and is evaluating whether to nominate a replacement to maintain a full biathlon squad.
Passler had been among the medal hopefuls
Passler had been among the hopefuls for the Italian biathlon team, with performances this season including competitive World Cup results. Her presence was also notable given the sport’s strong tradition in Italy’s northern Alpine regions. The positive test has triggered an investigation by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) to determine the circumstances and implications for Passler’s future career, alongside potential long-term sanctions under anti-doping rules.
For the Italian delegation, the positive result and subsequent suspension represent an unexpected setback just days before competition begins. Biathlon events are among the most anticipated on the Winter Olympics schedule, and the team will now finalise its line-up without Passler’s participation.
