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Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler (R) hands over to teammate Dorothea Wierer during the women's 4 x 6 km relay of the Biathlon World Cup. Sven Hoppe/dpa
The Italian biathlon team believes in Rebecca Passler's innocence after her positive doping test ahead of the 2026 Olympics, which open later on Friday.
"We stand behind Rebecca and are convinced that she's innocent and that everything will be cleared up," sporting director Klaus Höllrigl told broadcaster Rai.
The entire team is convinced that it was a misunderstanding, he added.
Passler tested positive for the banned substance letrozole and is provisionally suspended on Monday. She was caught in an out of competition test.
"We sought advice from psychologists on how best to deal with the situation. Because, of course, the news hit the whole team hard," Höllrigl said.
Passler is doing well under the circumstances, he added.
"Rebecca is a strong woman, she will surely get over it in time. Rebecca is an important part of our team."
Passler, 24, is from Anterselva, where the Olympic biathlon events will take place. The former junior world champion has competed in the World Cup since 2021 and has two relay podium finishes.
She was part of a five-person women's team, but for now she won't be replaced.
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