Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, 24, was provisionally suspended after testing positive for letrozole, a substance banned by Agência Mundial Antidoping (Wada). The exam was carried out on December 12, 2025, during Mundial of Biatlo in Hochfilzen, in Áustria.
With the punishment, the athlete was immediately removed from the Comitê Olímpico Italiano (Coni) squad list and will not participate in the Jogos Olímpicos of Inverno of Milão-Cortina 2026, which begin on February 6. The biathlon events will be held in Antholz, Passler’s hometown, which makes the case even more impactful for the Italian delegation.
This is the first confirmed doping case related to the Jogos of 2026. The suspension follows the protocols of Agência Antidoping Italiana (Nado Italia), which notified the athlete and União Internacional of Biatlo (IBU) about the adverse analytical result.
Athlete profile and trajectory in biathlon
Rebecca Passler has built a promising career in biathlon since the youth categories. Ela won eight medals at youth and junior world championships, including gold in the relay.
The Italian was also part of adult teams that achieved important podiums. In the 2022/2023 season, he contributed to two third places in the Mundial alongside Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi.
In the current season, his best individual result was 10th place in Oberhof. Passler was one of the five biathletes called up by Itália for the 2026 Jogos and represented the expectation of good performance in Antholz.
Detected substance and its characteristics
Letrozole has been classified as a hormonal and metabolic modulator on the Wada list of prohibited substances since 2008. The drug reduces estrogen levels in the body and can be used to mask the use of anabolic steroids.
Doctors prescribe the drug mainly to treat early-stage breast cancer after menopause. Atletas those caught with letrozole must present a valid medical justification to avoid more severe punishments.
The presence of the substance requires a detailed analysis of the countertest and the test’s chain of custody. Casos similar to Itália have already resulted in suspensions, but also in acquittals when accidental contamination is proven.
Anti-doping procedures in Jogos of Inverno
Anti-doping controls follow strict protocols established by the Wada and the Comitê Olímpico Internacional (IOC). High-level Atletas undergo surprise tests during competitions and training periods.
Agência of Testes Internacional (ITA) coordinates the exams in Jogos Olímpicos of Inverno. Resultados positive results lead to automatic provisional suspension until the final judgment.
- Immediate notification to the athlete and the national federation
- Right to retest in an accredited laboratory
- Analysis of medical justifications or contamination
- Possibility of recourse to Tribunal Arbitral of Esporte (TAS)
These steps guarantee transparency and protection of competitors’ rights.
Italian biathlon context for 2026
Biathlon is a traditional sport in Itália, especially in the alpine regions of Tirol and Sul. Antholz has hosted Copa and Mundo events for decades and will host Olympic competitions in 2026.
The Italian women’s team enjoyed a recent peak with Dorothea Wierer, two-time champion of Copa and Mundo. Atletas like Lisa Vittozzi keep the country competitive on the international stage.
The absence of Passler changes the planning of the relay and individual events. Técnicos now has four biathletes to fill the vacancies in the team competitions.
Doping precedents in Itália
Itália has recorded cases of doping involving hormone modulators in recent years. In 2017, tennis player Sara Errani tested positive for letrozole and claimed contamination from her mother’s medication.
The initial punishment was reduced after appeal, but the case sparked debate about accidental sources of banned substances. Outros sports such as athletics and cycling have also faced similar suspensions.
Italian authorities have stepped up internal controls following previous episodes. Nado Italia carries out thousands of tests annually on high-performance athletes.
Impact on Italian Olympic preparation
The Italian delegation loses a local competitor exactly at the biathlon venue. Antholz expected special support for Passler in races held at an altitude known to the athlete.
Coaches need to adjust strategies for the mixed and women’s relay. The men’s team remains intact, but the case affects the general atmosphere of the final preparation.
The Jogos of Milão-Cortina 2026 features 114 events across seven winter sports. Itália invests in infrastructure and seeks to improve the performance obtained in previous editions.
Family history and connection to the Jogos
Rebecca Passler is the niece of Johann Passler, bronze medalist in biathlon at the Jogos of
The Passler family maintains a strong connection with sport in the Antholz region. The suspension prevents Rebecca from following in his uncle’s footsteps in Olympic competitions.
Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, requiring physical fitness and concentration. Atletas Italians train intensely on local tracks to take advantage of the home advantage.
Reinforced anti-doping measures
Organizers of the 2026 Jogos plan record testing during the event. ITA coordinates sample collection in all Olympic villages and competition venues.
Athletes receive constant guidance on permitted and prohibited medications. Programas educational activities aim to prevent unintentional violations.
Cases like Passler reinforce the need for constant vigilance. Autoridades maintains focus on the integrity of Olympic competitions.
The case of Rebecca Passler marks the first anti-doping incident related to Jogos Olímpicos of
