Italian Orienteering Athlete Dies During World Games in China

Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China. Organisers confirmed the 29-year-old passed away on Tuesday, four days after he was found unresponsive during an orienteering event on August 8.

In a joint statement, the World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) said: “Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical institutions, he passed away.” No details were provided on the cause of death.

The competition took place in sweltering conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C and high humidity. Orienteering involves navigating an unmarked course with a map and compass, reaching designated control points in the fastest time possible.

Debertolis, from Primiero in eastern Italy, was competing in the men’s middle-distance final — the first medal event of the Games. The six-kilometre course featured 180 metres of ascent and 20 control points, and took the winner, Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan, 45 minutes and 22 seconds to complete. “I needed to acclimatise quickly to hot and humid conditions. I think I managed quite well,” Rancan told Chinese state media.

Official results listed Debertolis as “Did Not Finish,” along with 11 other athletes. Ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings, he had been competing internationally since 2014, representing Italy at several World Championships and World Cups. Alongside his athletic career, he was pursuing a PhD at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where he lived.

President of the Italian Orienteering Federation (FISO), Alfio Giomi, announced that the national team will wear black armbands at the upcoming World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships in Poland. He said Debertolis’ family had agreed “athletes will be able to participate in the competitions in Mattia’s name and memory.”

The joint statement from organisers and the IOF said they were “struck by this tragedy and extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the athlete and the whole orienteering community,” adding: “Our thoughts are with those touched by this event.”

They also pledged to “continue to support the family of Mattia Debertolis and the orienteering community in every possible way.”

This 12th edition of the World Games runs until August 17, featuring around 4,000 athletes competing in 253 events.