The Italian biathlon team is still in deep shock after Rebecca Passler’s positive doping test became known. Sports director Klaus Höllrigl was also not at all prepared for this low blow so shortly before the Winter Olympics in his own country. Meanwhile, a decision was made about a possible subsequent nomination.
The positive doping result for biathlete Rebecca Passler has shaken up the entire Italian team. “The news hit like a bomb. Logically, it caused unrest,” said Klaus Höllrigl, sports director of the biathlon team for Olympic host Italy, in an interview with “Rai News.” Because: “Rebecca is an important part of our team.”
For Passler, the news, which first circulated in the media on Monday afternoon and was then officially confirmed, came “out of the blue.” “We stand behind Rebecca and are convinced that the case will be solved. We are all convinced of her innocence,” emphasized Höllrigl.
Letrozole was detected in a doping sample for the 24-year-old ski hunter. The drug can be used to lower your own estrogen level after, for example, taking banned drugs. Letrozole, which is primarily used in the treatment of breast cancer, has been on the doping list since 2008.
Biathlon: Decision made about subsequent nomination
However, there is no sense of “general suspicion” towards the Italian team, said the sports director shortly before the start of the Olympic competitions in Antholz, which begin with the mixed competitions on February 8th. Rebecca Passler also received “a lot of encouragement” from the other teams. “What’s most important is that we all have a clear conscience.”
Höllrigl himself “doesn’t know how it happened and I don’t want to give any information because the case is now with the lawyers. I can’t and won’t give any information,” said the official: “I’m not sure about the timing, we’ll give the information at the right time.”
Meanwhile, the Italian team has made a decision as to whether another biathlete will be added to the squad at short notice to replace Rebecca Passler. “At the moment there will be no additional nominations,” confirmed Klaus Höllrigl. The women’s line-up still consists of Dorothea Wierer, Lisa Vittozzi, who are also part of the mixed relay, Hannah Auchentaller and Michela Carrara.
“We are well positioned with the four women. That’s how we’ll start the Olympic Games,” said the 46-year-old: “Maybe towards the end we’ll have to think about nominating someone else as a reserve for the relay. A lot depends on how we get through illnesses. At the moment we’re planning with the four women.”
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