The Digester
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No positive doping tests at Milan-Cortina 2026 after extensive pre-Games testing

The International Testing Agency says 92% of athletes were tested in the six months before Milan-Cortina 2026 and no positive tests were recorded during the event. Pre-Games testing found one alleged positive that led to a provisional suspension which was later lifted pending a hearing.

Apr 3rd 2026 ยท Italy

Insights

  • No positive doping tests were recorded during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
  • The International Testing Agency reported 92% of participants were tested at least once in the six months before the Games.
  • Pre-Games testing detected an alleged positive in Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, who was provisionally suspended on February 2 and later cleared to compete pending a hearing.
  • ITA director general Benjamin Cohen called the program the most extensive ever and said longer monitoring reduces positives at the Games.
  • Pre-Games testing is intended to prevent delayed medal reallocations like the British bobsleigh case from Sochi 2014.
  • Some athletes and officials are calling for tougher sanctions, including lifetime bans, to strengthen deterrence.

Sources