An Italian biathlete has been provisionally suspended after testing positive in an out-of-competition anti-doping test, adding uncertainty ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The provisional suspension was confirmed by NADO Italia and comes just days before the Olympic opening ceremony, marking the first reported doping case linked to the Games. Rebecca Passler, 24, tested positive for letrozole metabolite bis and methanol, both substances prohibited under anti-doping regulations, in an out-of-competition control conducted by the Italian anti-doping authority, according to FondoItalia.

According to the official NADO Italia press release, the Tribunale Nazionale Anti-doping (National Anti-Doping Tribunal) acted on a request from the Procura Nazionale Anti-doping and suspended Passler as a precautionary measure under violations of Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the Italian anti-doping code.

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor commonly used in medical contexts, such as cancer treatment. Still, it appears on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances because of its potential effects on hormonal balance. The positive test was confirmed just four days before the official start of the Olympic Games.

Passler hails from Antholz/Anterselva, where Olympic biathlon competitions will take place, and has competed on the Biathlon World Cup circuit since 2021. Her best World Cup results this season include top-11 finishes, and she had been selected to represent Italy at the home Games, according to FondoItalia.

With Passler’s provisional suspension now in place, Italy may consider a replacement athlete for the biathlon events, depending on team strategy and ongoing anti-doping proceedings. The case is expected to remain under review as the formal process continues in the coming weeks, according to Meridiana Notizie.

Also Read: Program for biathlon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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