Italian orienteering competitor Mattia Debertolis passed away on Tuesday at the World Games in Chengdu, China, after collapsing during an event.
The 29-year-old was found unconscious on August 8 during a men’s middle-distance competition and died four days later, according to a joint statement from the event organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).
The World Games, held every four years for sports not featured in the Olympics, were taking place about 50 kilometres from central Chengdu in extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees.
Debertolis collapsed during the final, in which Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan claimed victory in 45 minutes and 22 seconds. Official results listed Debertolis as “Did Not Finish,” alongside 11 other competitors.
He had been ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings and had represented Italy in multiple World Championships and World Cups since 2014. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but organisers confirmed he received immediate specialist medical care at one of China’s top facilities.
The ongoing 12th edition of the World Games runs until August 17, with officials pledging continued support to Debertolis’ family and the orienteering community.
What you should know
Mattia Debertolis was a respected Italian orienteering athlete with over a decade of international competition experience.
His untimely death during the World Games has deeply affected the global orienteering community.
