Italian Biathlete Rebecca Passler Rejoins Team After Doping Appeal
Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler rejoined her team at the Winter Olympics on Monday, following a successful appeal against a provisional suspension for an alleged doping violation. The suspension had been issued before the Milano Cortina Games.
Return to Training and Competition
Passler commenced training at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena on Monday afternoon. She is eligible to compete in the women's relay, scheduled for Wednesday, having missed earlier competitions. Italy team captain Klaus Hoellrigl had previously stated consideration for her inclusion in the four-person event.
Appeal Upheld Against Provisional Suspension
On Friday, the national anti-doping organization of Italy (Nado Italia) upheld Passler's appeal against a provisional suspension. This suspension resulted from a positive test for the banned substance letrozole on January 26.
In her appeal, Passler, aged 24, stated she resided with her mother, who was using letrozole as part of her breast cancer treatment. Passler suggested the contamination likely originated from a spoon she used for hazelnut spread the day before the test.
Provisional Clearing, Full Hearing Pending
The World Anti-Doping Agency noted that the decision to clear Passler was provisional. A tribunal is to be established by Nado Italia to hear the full case at a later date.