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Italy’s Rebecca Passler Suspended Over Letrozol Finding Ahead of Olympic Biathlon

The out-of-competition finding is the host nation’s first doping case of these Games, sidelining the Antholz native before races at her home venue.

Overview

  • National anti-doping body NADO Italia provisionally suspended Passler after traces of Letrozol were detected, and the Italian federation removed her from the Olympic roster.
  • The Biathlon Integrity Unit said it received confirmation of an anti-doping rule violation from NADO Italia and is cooperating with the national authority on the case.
  • The sample was collected out of competition in January, reported by multiple outlets as January 26, with B‑sample analysis and disciplinary proceedings still pending.
  • Letrozol, an anti‑estrogen banned by WADA since 2008, is used medically in breast cancer treatment and can be associated with masking steroid use; a confirmed violation could bring up to a four‑year ban.
  • Prosecutors in Bozen have begun reviewing the matter without opening an investigation into Passler, while Italian sports leaders urge against premature judgment.