Italian Biathlete Suspended for Doping Ahead of Winter Olympics

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been suspended for testing positive for banned substances just days before the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Italy's anti-doping agency confirmed the presence of letrozole and methanol in her system. Passler now faces disqualification and a potential lengthy ban.

Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has been suspended after she tested positive for banned substances, according to Italy's anti-doping agency, NADO. The incident occurred just four days before the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics are set to begin.

Passler, 24, tested positive for letrozole and methanol, marking the first case among athletes arriving in the city for the February 6 Games. The National Anti-Doping Tribunal has provisionally suspended her, citing violations of articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the anti-doping code.

The positive test is a significant setback for Italy as the host nation scrambles to finalize preparations for the event. Passler faces disqualification from her home Olympics and a potential lengthy ban from the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)