The Italian biathlon team is backing their skier Rebecca Passler who is appealing a doping-related suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in order to compete at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. Star skier Dorothea Wierer said in the run-up to Tuesday's hearing she "wrote her a message because I wanted to be close to her in this difficult moment.
The Italian biathlon team is backing their skier Rebecca Passler who is appealing a doping-related suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in order to compete at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics.
Star skier Dorothea Wierer said in the run-up to Tuesday's hearing she "wrote her a message because I wanted to be close to her in this difficult moment." Wierer said that Passler was "a great person" who deserves support.
"Of course it was a shock at first. But we know her and know that she is a strong girl," twice World Cup champion Wierer said.
"There is nothing more we can do at the moment. We can only wait and see and send her a big hug."
Lisa Vittozzi added: "It was bad news but we also don't know what exactly happened."
Italy biathlon team sporting director Klaus Höllrigl had earlier told broadcaster Rai that the entire team was sure the case was a misunderstanding.
"We stand behind Rebecca and are convinced that she's innocent and that everything will be cleared up."
Passler tested positive for the banned substance letrozole and was provisionally suspended on Monday. She was caught in an out-of-competition test. The substance can be used to lower estrogen levels, but it is mainly used to treat cancer.
Former junior world champion Passler has filed an appeal to the CAS ad-hoc division present at the Games, requesting that CAS annul the suspension due to "lack of intent and negligence and to allow her to participate in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026."
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The first individual women's race is the next day. Passler is from Anterselva, where the Olympic biathlon competition takes place.
The German team meanwhile dismissed suggestions the case could lead to suspicion towards the Italian home team.
"We are not suspicious. We have the feeling that we don't know enough about the case," sporting director Felix Bitterling said.
Looking at the Italians, he added: "It's not what you want for this one big event in your life at home, but the situation is what it is."
Category: General Sports
