Top Athletes Shine at 2026 Winter Olympics While One Athlete's Case Raises Questions

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are seeing amazing sports moments. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is winning many medals, and Francesca Lollobrigida made history for Italy. But, Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler can still compete after a positive doping test, which is causing talk.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are showcasing exceptional athletic performances, with Johannes Høsflot Klæbo achieving a significant milestone in cross-country skiing. Concurrently, questions have arisen regarding the participation of Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler following a positive doping test. These events highlight both the pinnacle of athletic achievement and the complex regulatory environment governing international sports.

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A series of events have unfolded at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marked by notable wins and an unusual situation involving a participating athlete.

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo seals golden treble; Italy’s Passler to compete despite positive test – live - 2

Athlete Achievements and Record-Breaking Performances

Several athletes have distinguished themselves through impressive victories and historic achievements during the Games:

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo seals golden treble; Italy’s Passler to compete despite positive test – live - 3

  • Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has continued his dominance in cross-country skiing. He secured his third gold medal of the Games in the men's 10km event, positioning him as potentially the joint most decorated Winter Olympian in history. Klæbo's technical ability, particularly his ability to accelerate on climbs and his strong finishing sprints, has been a recurring theme in his performances. This win marks a significant moment in his Olympic career, adding to his collection of medals.

  • Francesca Lollobrigida has made history for Italy in speed skating. She won her second gold medal of the Games in the women's 5000m, following her earlier victory in the 3000m. This accomplishment solidifies her status as Italy's most decorated speed skater in Olympic history.

  • In freestyle skiing, Cooper Woods of Australia secured the men's moguls gold medal in a dramatic finish, surpassing Canadian legend Mikaël Kingsbury.

  • Frida Karlsson of Sweden has also achieved success, winning gold in the women's skiathlon. This victory contributed to Sweden's medal count, highlighting their competitive presence in cross-country skiing.

Controversy Surrounding Athlete Eligibility

The participation of Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has become a point of discussion due to a positive doping test.

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  • Passler tested positive for a banned substance, Letrozole, in training on January 26.

  • She appealed the provisional suspension, arguing that the offense was accidental and possibly due to contamination from a shared utensil used for consuming Nutella.

  • The Italian anti-doping body (NADO Italia) upheld her appeal, allowing her to compete. This decision has led to her participation in the Games, despite the initial positive test.

Other Notable Competitions and Athlete Updates

  • Snowboard Cross: Australian athletes Mia Clift, Josie Baff, and Abbey Wilson are competing in the women's snowboard cross event. Wilson registered a notable time in her second seeding run.

  • Figure Skating: The team event concluded, with mentions of Chloe Kim's performance in the women's halfpipe, where she secured a silver medal after a fall on her final run.

  • Curling: Great Britain's men's curling team secured a victory against Sweden.

  • Skeleton: Vladyslav Heraskevych of Ukraine was reportedly banned from competing in skeleton due to his helmet design, which featured images of athletes killed during the conflict in his country.

Analysis of Performances and Medal Standings

The performances at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games indicate strong competition across various disciplines.

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  • Norway, led by Klæbo's achievements, has a significant medal tally.

  • Italy, as the host nation, has seen notable successes, particularly through Lollobrigida.

  • Sweden and Germany are also positioned strongly in the medal table.

  • The varied results, from dominant victories to close contests and unexpected outcomes, underscore the diverse nature of the Winter Olympics.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to be a stage for remarkable athletic feats and intricate rule applications. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's pursuit of records and Francesca Lollobrigida's historic wins represent the pinnacle of sportsmanship and dedication.

The case of Rebecca Passler highlights the ongoing challenges in anti-doping enforcement and the appeals process within sports governance. Her ability to compete after a positive test raises important questions about the interpretation and application of anti-doping regulations.

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The ongoing events at Milano Cortina 2026 will undoubtedly continue to provide compelling narratives of athletic excellence and the complexities of modern elite sports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is doing very well at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo from Norway is winning many gold medals in cross-country skiing. Francesca Lollobrigida from Italy has also won two gold medals in speed skating.
Q: Why is Rebecca Passler competing if she had a positive doping test?
Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler tested positive for a banned substance. Her appeal said it might have been from food. The Italian anti-doping group let her compete.
Q: What other notable things happened at the Olympics?
Cooper Woods won gold in freestyle skiing for Australia. Frida Karlsson won gold for Sweden in skiathlon. There was also news about a skeleton athlete's helmet design.