Doping accusation
Olympic biathlete: “Worst thing that can happen to an athlete”
03/02/2026 – 07:57 amReading time: 2 minutes
The alleged doping case involving biathlete Rebecca Passler caused a stir before and during the Olympics. The biathlete reflects on the time.
Olympic athlete Rebecca Passler, who has since been banned for doping, spoke out after the competitions in Milan and Cortina. In a post on Instagram, the Italian wrote that she was ready to “share my feelings with you.” The fact that she tested positive for the banned drug letrozole outside of competition shortly before the Olympics “was the worst thing that can happen to an athlete.”
She was devastated and there were moments that felt unfair and incomprehensible to her. “Everything I had worked for, every single day, month and year in pursuit of a dream, felt like it had been shattered in a single moment.” The 24-year-old denounced the way she was treated. “I have not been treated with the respect that every human being deserves. I am human. I have feelings.” Nevertheless, she also thanked the people who always stood by her side.
Her interim suspension was lifted following her appeal. Passler explained at the time that her mother was taking letrozole to treat her breast cancer. At a shared breakfast, a spoon with which the medication was taken was said to have been used by both of them for Nutella. ARD doping expert Hajo Seppelt had massive doubts about the athlete’s portrayal. The drug is used to lower estrogen levels.
Passler could have started at the Olympic Games, but was not nominated for the team relay. She now wants to set new goals and never give up. “The journey continues,” she wrote at the end.
