Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis passed away on Tuesday after being found unresponsive during a competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The 29-year-old was discovered unconscious during the men’s middle-distance event on August 8 and succumbed to his condition four days later, according to a joint statement from event organizers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). Despite receiving immediate medical attention at a top Chinese hospital, he could not be saved. No further details were provided regarding the cause of death.
The tragic incident occurred amid extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86°F). Orienteering, a sport where athletes navigate an unmarked course using a map and compass, requires physical endurance as competitors race to checkpoints in the fastest time. Debertolis was participating in the final of the men’s middle-distance event—the first medal event of the Games—which featured a challenging six-kilometre (3.7-mile) course with 180 meters of elevation and 20 control points.
Footage from the event showed athletes running through rural terrain, including crop fields and villages. Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan won the race in 45 minutes and 22 seconds, later stating that he had to quickly adapt to the hot and humid conditions. Debertolis was among 12 athletes listed as “Did Not Finish” in the official results. The World Games, held every four years for sports not included in the Olympics, has seen its 2025 edition overshadowed by this heartbreaking loss.
Debertolis, from Primiero in eastern Italy, was an experienced competitor in the sport. The orienteering community and World Games officials have expressed deep sorrow over his passing, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes and fans. Investigations into the exact circumstances of his collapse are likely to follow, as questions arise about safety measures in extreme weather conditions. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with endurance sports.