Tragic Loss: Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis Dies Following Collapse at World Games

Mon Oct 20 2025 13:23:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Mattia Debertolis, a promising Italian athlete, has tragically passed away after collapsing during an orienteering event at the World Games in China.

The World Games, a notable multi-sport event, faced a sobering incident when 29-year-old Mattia Debertolis succumbed to injuries sustained during competition. His death highlights the risks faced by athletes in extreme conditions.

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis, only 29, died after collapsing at the World Games held in Chengdu, China, last week. During the men's middle-distance event, which occurred amid sweltering temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Debertolis was found unconscious by event officials. Despite receiving prompt medical attention at a leading Chinese hospital, he tragically passed away four days later, on Tuesday.

The exact cause of his death remains undetermined. Debertolis was an accomplished athlete, recently finishing 5th in the 2022 World Cup final. The World Games, an esteemed multi-sport event showcasing non-Olympic disciplines every four years, has expressed its condolences towards the family and the orienteering community during this heartbreaking time. Debertolis was among 12 athletes in the event listed as "Did Not Finish," underscoring the demanding nature of competitive orienteering. World Games organisers reaffirmed their commitment to support the family and the broader community affected by this tragic event.