The Italian biathlete who tested positive for doping just before the Olympics will still be allowed to compete. The appeals court has now lifted her suspension.

Italy’s Rebecca Passler tested positive for the banned substance Letrozole in January. She was suspended from competition pending analysis of her B sample. The conclusion now is that the doping suspension has been lifted. The 24-year-old will be allowed to compete at the home Olympics.

Also Read: Italian biathlete provisionally suspended after positive doping test ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026

The Italian appeals court believes it is likely that Passler took the substance accidentally or was exposed to unintentional contamination. The Italian Ski Federation (FISI) announced the decision on Friday morning.

Shocked the biathlon community

The doping case shocked the biathlon community in both Italy and internationally when it broke just days before the Olympics.

“A tough blow for the Italian national biathlon team,” wrote the Italian outlet Fondo Italia.

Former biathlon star Tiril Eckhoff said she was surprised.

“It’s not often we see doping cases like this in biathlon,” she told TV 2, where she serves as an expert commentator.

Biathlon expert Ole Einar Bjørndalen said the case is unfortunate for the sport and especially for Italian biathlon, but that many questions remain unanswered.

The former biathlon legend pointed out at the time that only the A sample had been analyzed.

“It’s unfortunate for the biathlon family, but right now it’s difficult to be too harsh — since the B sample hasn’t been analyzed. It’s hard to know the motive and what has happened, but there’s something wrong with the system. Something has been found — and then we must see what comes after the B sample,” Bjørndalen said.

Promising talent

Passler has competed in several World Cup races for Italy this season and has an 11th place as her best result at the top level. That came in the sprint in Hochfilzen and in the relay in Annecy before Christmas alongside superstars Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi. She also has one gold, five silver, and one bronze medal from the Junior World Championships.

Rebecca Passler is the granddaughter of Johannes Passler, who won World Championship gold in the 1990s. According to the newspaper La Repubblica, he is volunteering during the Olympics.

Read More – Program for biathlon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Biathlon schedule – Milano-Cortina 2026

Sunday, February 8: Mixed Relay (M+W) (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:05 CET: Mixed Relay, Men + Women

Tuesday, February 10: Men 20km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:30 CET: 20km Individual, Men

Wednesday, February 11: Women 15km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Individual, Women

Friday, February 13: Men 10km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 10km Sprint, Men

Saturday, February 14: Women 7.5km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 7.5km Sprint, Women

Sunday, February 15: Men 12.5km Pursuit and Women 10km Pursuit (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:15 CET: 12.5km Pursuit, Men
• 14:45 CET: 10km Pursuit, Women

Tuesday, February 17: Men 4×7.5km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:30 CET: 4×7.5km Relay, Men

Wednesday, February 18: Women 4x6km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 4x6km Relay, Women

Friday, February 20: Men 15km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Mass Start, Men

Saturday, February 21: Women 12.5km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 12.5km Mass Start, Women

Complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Antholz-Anterselva promises breathtaking events for athletes and spectacular viewing for fans. With every shot and ski stride counting, biathlon is set to be one of the most eagerly watched sports of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

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