Athletic competitor perishes during World Games in China
Tragedy struck the world of orienteering on Tuesday, August 12, as Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis passed away at the age of 29. The young sportsman collapsed during the men's middle-distance orienteering event, the first medal event of The World Games in Chengdu, China, on August 8.
Debertolis received immediate medical attention at a leading Chinese medical institution but unfortunately, he could not be saved. His death has left a profound impact on the orienteering community, with the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) expressing deep sadness.
The orienteering course at The World Games was a challenging 6-kilometer route with 20 control points. The event took place in a largely rural setting, featuring crop fields and villages. The hot and humid conditions during the competition were also noted by some participants.
Mattia Debertolis had been a dedicated athlete since his childhood, competing in orienteering, cross-country skiing, and football. He was also pursuing a PhD in civil engineering at Stockholm University and represented the orienteering club IFK Lidingö. He had participated in several World Championships and World Cups as part of the Italian team.
Following Debertolis's death, the President of the Italian Orienteering Federation (FISO), Alfio Giomi, invited the national team to wear black armbands while competing in the World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships.
The cause of Debertolis’s collapse and death has not been disclosed. Alongside the official results, 12 athletes, including Mattia Debertolis, were listed as "Did Not Finish" in the men's middle-distance orienteering event.
Riccardo Rancan, from Switzerland, won the men's middle-distance orienteering event with a time of 45 minutes and 22 seconds. The World Games is a multisport event held every four years for disciplines not included in the Olympics.
[1] https://www.orienteering.org/news/mattia-debertolis-passes-away-at-29 [2] https://www.worldgames2025.org/news/it-is-with-deep-regret-that-we-announce-the-passing-of-mattia-debertolis [3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/orienteering/58256113 [4] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/15/italian-orienteering-athlete-mattia-debertolis-dies-aged-29 [5] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/italian-orienteering-athlete-mattia-debertolis-dies-aged-29-2021-07-15/
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