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Rebecca Passler Reinstated to Italy's Team After Letrozole Appeal Win

An Italian anti-doping tribunal restored her eligibility after accepting a claim of unintentional contamination.

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Biathlon - Training - Anterselva Biathlon Arena, South Tyrol, Italy - February 16, 2026. Italy's Rebecca Passler in action during training REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Overview

  • The National Court of Appeal of Nado Italia reinstated Passler on Feb. 13, recognizing the apparent validity of involuntary intake or unconscious contamination.
  • Passler had been provisionally suspended after a Jan. 26 test detected the banned substance letrozole, initially barring her from the Winter Olympics.
  • In her appeal, she said she likely ingested traces via a spoon used to eat Nutella while living with her mother, who was taking letrozole for breast cancer.
  • She rejoined the Italian team on Feb. 15 and, having missed earlier events, is eligible to compete in the women's biathlon relay scheduled for Wednesday.
  • Passler thanked supporters in a statement released by the Italian federation, and coverage noted letrozole is a breast cancer medication commonly prescribed in tablet form.