Italian biathlon has been rocked by a major doping scandal just days before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. A positive doping test has been returned by 24-year-old Rebecca Passler, Italy’s national anti-doping agency has confirmed.

The Olympic Games will take place from 6 to 22 February, with biathlon events beginning on 8 February in Antholz. Passler will not be eligible to compete.

According to Italian media reports, traces of letrozole were found in the athlete’s sample — a substance that has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list since 2008.

While letrozole is not considered a direct performance-enhancing drug, it reduces estrogen levels in the body. This effect can be used to mask the use of anabolic steroids, which is why the substance is prohibited in professional sport.

The test was reportedly conducted at Passler’s home. She has now been provisionally suspended and must provide an explanation for the presence of the banned substance. The athlete has not yet made any public comment.