Excitement before the start of the Olympics
Doped biathlete? “Put my hand in the fire for Rebecca”
02/04/2026 – 07:17 amReading time: 1 min.
Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler tested positive for a doping substance. The regional president of the Italian Olympic Committee of South Tyrol warns.
During a test outside of competitions, the banned drug letrozole was found on biathlete Rebecca Passler. Alex Tabarelli, regional president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) in South Tyrol, speaks of a “human drama” and warns “Südtirol News” against hasty conclusions.
He was surprised himself and “put his hand on the fire for Rebecca” that she had no intention of taking performance-enhancing drugs. It is currently unclear in what quantity the substance was detected. You also have to find out how contact with the substance came about. In addition: The 24-year-old’s B sample is also still pending.
The drug letrozole can lower estrogen levels, but it is primarily used to treat cancer. The series of tests was carried out last week on all 196 Italian Olympic athletes. The current situation is mentally stressful not only for her, but also for Passler’s teammates, explained Tabarelli.
Passler was provisionally suspended as a result of the violation and will not compete in the Olympics. “The federation is already examining the incident in detail and intends to support its athlete in all appropriate ways,” said President Flavio Roda of the Italian winter sports association FISI in an initial statement on Monday. “It is essential to get to the bottom of the matter in order to dispel any doubts that could seriously affect Rebecca’s career and the association’s reputation.”
Passler has not yet commented on the allegations.
