Pechstein's attorney believes the case will conclude positively for her, contingent on the ISU issuing an apology, while Pechstein emphasizes her hope for justice and legal rehabilitation.

As she prepares for the upcoming hearing, Pechstein remains hopeful for a fair outcome, emphasizing her desire for legal acknowledgment of her innocence.

The long-standing legal battle between Olympic speed skating champion Claudia Pechstein and the International Skating Union (ISU) is nearing a pivotal moment, with a hearing scheduled at the Munich Higher Regional Court.

Her case has drawn attention partly due to the revelation of a hereditary blood condition that may have influenced her test results, a factor the ISU did not acknowledge at the time of her suspension.

Throughout her ordeal, Pechstein has consistently maintained her innocence, asserting that she has never tested positive for doping despite being subjected to over 700 tests.

Pechstein's case originates from a two-year suspension imposed by the ISU in 2009, following allegations of blood doping based on elevated reticulocyte levels detected during a competition.

The ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and later by the Swiss Federal Court, prompting Pechstein to pursue legal action across multiple courts.

Her legal struggle has spanned over 15 years, involving various judicial bodies, including the German Federal Constitutional Court, which ruled in her favor in 2022, allowing her damages claim to proceed.

Pechstein is now seeking approximately €8 million in damages, claiming defamation and wrongful suspension, as she has been labeled a doping offender for over 15 years.

Despite the ongoing legal issues, Pechstein has expressed a willingness to negotiate, indicating she would consider reducing her claim if the ISU publicly acknowledges the wrongful nature of her ban.

However, the ISU has maintained its position that the ban was justified and has stated there will be no apology or admission of wrongdoing.

The upcoming court decision could have significant financial implications for the ISU, which is reportedly lacking substantial financial resources.