ANTERSELVA, Italy, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been cleared to rejoin the country's Olympic team after her provisional suspension for a positive doping test was lifted on appeal, Italian officials said on Friday.
Italy's national anti-doping authority overturned the suspension after the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Milan sent the case back for review. The Italian Winter Sports Federation confirmed in a statement that Passler has been readmitted to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic team and will rejoin her teammates on Monday.
Passler tested positive for letrozole during an out-of-competition test in January. The substance which can be used to lower estrogen levels is primarily prescribed for cancer treatment. Passler argued the positive result was due to contamination and that she bore no fault. The appeals court said she was able to prove this explanation credibly.
Italian media reported that Passler's mother, who is being treated for breast cancer, had medication containing letrozole at home, which could explain trace contamination through everyday contact.
"I have always believed in my good faith," Passler said in a statement. "I would like to thank everyone who supported me. Now I can finally focus 100 percent on biathlon again."
Italy's biathlon technical director Klaus Hoellrigl said the timing of the decision ruled Passler out of Saturday's women's 7.5km sprint at the Olympics.
"The news arrived today at 8 am. Rebecca has had 10 to 12 difficult days. Here at the Olympics, it would have been difficult, almost impossible, to throw her into a race tomorrow, given the other four athletes are in good shape."
Hoellrigl added that Passler will also miss the women's 12.5km mass start on February 21. Her only potential competition would be the women's 4x6km relay on February 18, pending further assessment.
"She will rejoin the team on Monday," Hoellrigl said. "On Monday and Tuesday, we will make a decision for the relay. We will evaluate and understand how she is physically and mentally, and then we will make the best decision." ■
