Italian Biathlete Faces Doping Controversy Ahead of Winter Olympics

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance just days before the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite media reports, the Italian Olympic Committee has not confirmed the result. Passler, aged 24, risks disqualification from representing Italy at her home Olympics.

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler is embroiled in controversy after testing positive for a banned substance, just four days before the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina are set to begin. This revelation, confirmed by a source to Reuters, has stirred significant attention.

The Italian media corroborated these claims, but the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has yet to officially confirm. Spokespersons from CONI have acknowledged seeing the reports but remain without formal notification of Passler's positive test.

At 24, Passler could face disqualification from the competitions in her home country. Her record includes an 11th place finish in the women's 4x6km relay at the 2024 IBU World Championships.

(With inputs from agencies.)