World Games Marred by Fatalities
Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis Dies at World Games in Chengdu
Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis, aged 29, tragically passed away on August 12, 2025, four days after collapsing during the men's middle-distance orienteering competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China.
Debertolis, who had been participating in orientation running competitions since 2014, was found unconscious on the course during a race on Friday. He received immediate medical treatment at a clinic, but unfortunately, did not recover.
Debertolis was not only an elite orienteer who had competed in several world championships and World Cup events, but also a skilled civil engineer pursuing a PhD at Stockholm University. He was part of the IFK Lidingö orienteering club.
The exact cause of his collapse and death was not disclosed in the official joint statement from the International World Games Association, the Local Organising Committee, and the International Orienteering Federation. They expressed deep condolences and committed to supporting his family and the orienteering community.
The World Games, which is the most important and largest multisport event for disciplines outside the Olympic program, featured sports like orienteering. The 12th edition of the games is currently taking place in China, with around 5,000 athletes competing in 34 sports until August 17.
Riccardo Rancan, the race winner, described the conditions as unusually "hot and humid." It is unclear if these conditions played a role in Debertolis' collapse.
The Italian federation FISO expressed deep sorrow over Debertolis' passing. His family, club president, teammates, and other officials were with him at the time of his death.
Italian media suggests that Debertolis may have fainted and hit his head on a rock. However, the cause of his death was not provided.
The organizers of the World Games have expressed their condolences to Debertolis' family, friends, and the entire orienteering community. Debertolis was ranked 137th in the men's world rankings in orienteering, according to the IOF website.
Our thoughts are with Debertolis' family and friends during this difficult time.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
