Biathlon: Doping‑suspected Rebecca Passler trains at Olympic venue — prepares for possible start

Rebecca Passler, the Italian biathlete suspected of doping, was on site at the Olympic stadium and training on the course ahead of a possible start.

On Friday came a surprising development: despite a positive doping test, Passler is allowed to compete in the final week of the Olympics. The 24‑year‑old Italian tested positive for the banned substance letrozole before the Games and was initially suspended. The Italian anti‑doping organisation Nado later lifted the suspension while the case is being investigated, and Passler has been permitted to race.

Passler was today at the venue training with skis and rifle; SVT published a clip showing her practice.

SVT's expert Mona Brorsson said she finds the decision doubtful.

"It sends completely the wrong signal and no matter how she ingested the banned substance it should mean a competition ban," Brorsson said.

The article links the case to ongoing coverage of the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympics and notes related biathlon stories and coverage on SVT.

Updated 16 February 2026 at 19:23 Published 16 February 2026 at 17:41