Rebecca Passler Returns to Training After Suspension, but Her Relay Start in Question

Italian cross-country skier and biathlete Rebecca Passler has returned to the Olympic training camp after a turbulent period related to accusations of anti-doping rule violations. The 24-year-old athlete managed to prove her innocence before a prestigious sports tribunal, arguing that the positive test result was due to consumption of contaminated Nutella cream. According to the athlete's explanation, the product was allegedly tainted with an anticancer drug used by someone in her surroundings. After the successful appeal, Passler joined her teammates at the stadium in Antholz, where on Monday afternoon she completed her first training session, focusing on shooting. The history of biathlon already knows cases of contaminated food products leading to unjust suspensions. In 2017, athletes from various sports made similar arguments, leading to stricter verification procedures by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Despite the green light from legal authorities, the athlete's sporting situation remains complicated. Coach Klaus Hoellrigl publicly expressed doubts about her current form, pointing out that the forced break prevented Passler from completing a full training plan. Although it was initially speculated that the athlete would be a key link in the women's relay scheduled for Wednesday February 18, the latest reports from February 17 suggest that she may ultimately not be called up to the starting lineup. This decision will be made after verifying her physical condition in the final sessions before the competition. For the young Italian, missing the start would be a heavy blow, as the relay is the only remaining event in which she could compete at these Games. „Rebecca couldn't train, so her condition must be verified before making a final decision on her start.” — Klaus Hoellrigl The Passler case has sparked a broad discussion in Italy about protecting athletes' image in the face of unjust accusations. The president of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), Flavio Roda, has supported the athlete from the beginning, emphasizing her integrity. Although the moral victory in court is a fact, the fight to return to the peak of Olympic competition continues. Fans anxiously await the final start list, which will determine whether the biathlete gets a chance to fight for medals in front of her home audience in Anterselva.