Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been excluded from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after testing positive for banned substances, Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI) confirmed on Monday.
The decision came just four days before the opening of the Games, marking the first confirmed doping case since national teams began arriving in northern Italy ahead of the February 6 start.
Earlier on Monday, Italy’s anti-doping agency NADO Italia said Passler tested positive for letrozole and methanol, both prohibited under international anti-doping regulations.
CONI said it received formal notification from the International Testing Agency before ordering her immediate removal from the Olympic squad.
“CONI has ordered the athlete’s immediate exclusion from the team competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games,” the committee said in a statement.
The Olympic body added that it may consider replacing an athlete where regulations allow.
Rebecca Passler, giovane protagonista della squadra italiana di biathlon, è risultata positiva a un controllo antidoping 'out of competition' a pochi giorni dall’inizio delle Olimpiadi di Milano-Cortina 2026 😩#WinterSports #MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics #Olimpiadi #Passler pic.twitter.com/qa2fusDv5k
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) February 2, 2026Career Impact and Competitive Record
Passler, 24, had been considered part of Italy’s relay setup. Her best career result came at the IBU World Championships 2024, where she finished 11th in the women’s 4x6km relay.
She now faces the possibility of a lengthy suspension, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
The positive test has caused embarrassment for Italy as it finalises preparations for hosting the Winter Olympics. The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) said it has launched an internal review.
FISI President Flavio Roda stressed the importance of clarity. “It is essential that we resolve this matter quickly,” Roda said. “Any misunderstanding could seriously affect Rebecca’s career and the federation’s reputation.”
Officials said further steps will depend on the results of ongoing investigations and potential appeals.
