Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis has died following a collapse during competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The tragic news was confirmed in a joint statement by the event’s organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old athlete was found unconscious on August 8 during the men’s middle-distance orienteering final, held around 50 kilometres outside Chengdu. Despite being rushed to one of China’s top medical facilities and receiving immediate expert treatment, Debertolis passed away four days later. Officials did not disclose the cause of death.
The men’s middle-distance course covered six kilometres with a 180-metre ascent and 20 control points, which athletes had to reach in the shortest possible time using only a map and compass.
The event took place under intense heat and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 30°C. Video footage shared by World Games organisers showed participants navigating rural terrain, including crop fields and small villages.
Debertolis was listed as “Did Not Finish” in the official results, alongside 11 other athletes. Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan won the event with a time of 45 minutes and 22 seconds, later remarking on the need to quickly adjust to the challenging weather conditions.
Originally from Primiero in eastern Italy, Debertolis had been competing internationally since 2014. He was ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings and had represented Italy in multiple World Championships and World Cups. Alongside his athletic career, he was pursuing a PhD at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, where he resided.
The World Games, held every four years for sports not included in the Olympics, are currently in their 12th edition, featuring around 4,000 athletes competing in 253 events. The men’s middle-distance orienteering final was the first medal event of the Chengdu Games, which will run until August 17.
In their statement, the World Games organisers and the IOF expressed deep sorrow over Debertolis’s passing, extending condolences to his family, friends, and the wider orienteering community. They pledged continued support to his loved ones during this difficult time.
