The orienteering community is mourning after the sudden passing of Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis at the World Games in Chengdu, China.
The 29-year-old collapsed during competition and, despite urgent medical care, sadly died four days later.
What Happened During the Event in China
Debertolis was competing in the men’s middle-distance orienteering event on August 8, held about 50 kilometers outside central Chengdu.
The course was challenging, featuring six kilometers with 180 meters of uphill climbing and 20 control points athletes had to find and punch in with their maps and compasses.
The conditions were tough—temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) with heavy humidity, making it a demanding day for all competitors.
Video footage showed runners navigating through fields and small villages, highlighting the rugged, rural terrain of the race.
Immediate Medical Response and Subsequent Passing
After collapsing during the event, Debertolis was rushed to one of China’s top medical centers.
Organizers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) confirmed that he received immediate expert care but, sadly, passed away on Tuesday, August 12.
No further details about the exact cause of death have been released.
The official race results list Debertolis as ‘Did Not Finish,’ along with eleven other competitors.
Mattia Debertolis’s Career and Life Beyond Orienteering
Originally from Primiero in eastern Italy, Debertolis had been competing internationally since 2014 and was ranked 137th in the men’s World Orienteering Rankings.
He represented Italy in multiple World Championships and World Cups over his career.
Outside of sports, Mattia was pursuing a PhD at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, where he lived while balancing his athletic ambitions.
World Games Context and Community Response
This edition of the World Games—the 12th—runs until August 17 and features around 4,000 athletes competing across 253 events.
The men’s middle-distance orienteering was actually the first medal event of the Games.
Organizers and the IOF expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending heartfelt condolences to Mattia’s family, friends, and the global orienteering community.
They pledged ongoing support to those affected by the loss.