Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China, organisers confirmed on Tuesday, August 12.
Debertolis, 29, was found unconscious on August 8 during the men’s middle-distance orienteering event. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at a top Chinese hospital, he passed away four days later, according to a joint statement from the World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). The cause of death was not disclosed.
The competition took place about 50 kilometres outside central Chengdu, in extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures above 30°C. Debertolis collapsed while competing in the final round. He was later listed as “Did Not Finish” alongside 11 other athletes. The event was won by Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan, who finished in 45 minutes and 22 seconds.
Ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings, Debertolis had been active in the sport since 2014 and had represented Italy in multiple World Championships and World Cup events.
The World Games is a global multisport event held every four years for non-Olympic disciplines. The current edition, its 12th, runs until August 17.
In their statement, organisers and the IOF expressed condolences and pledged continued support for Debertolis’s family and the global orienteering community.
