Italian orienteering Athlete Mattia Debertolis died on Tuesday after collapsing during the World Games, CNN reported.
The 29-year-old athlete was found unconscious on August 8 during the men’s middle-distance orienteering race in Chengdu, China.
Debertolis was taken to hospital and received immediate medical care, but died four days later. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Debertolis was representing Italy’s national team at the 2025 World Games. Orienteering is a sport in which athletes navigate unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass, racing against the clock while solving navigation challenges.
The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) expressed its condolences, and federation President Tom Hollowell called the loss “unfathomably sad” and encouraged the community to honor Debertolis’ memory.
Italy’s orienteering federation (FISO) said that mountain bike orienteering races in Poland will hold award ceremonies with flags at half-mast in his honor.
Debertolis had been a key member of Italy’s national team for years, competing in several World Championships and World Cups. Among his career highlights was his role in helping Italy secure fifth place in the 2022 World Cup relay final.
Born in the Primiero Valley in Italy, the deceased grew up practicing orienteering, cross-country skiing, and football, but ultimately chose orienteering as his main sport. Off the field, he was a trained civil engineer and was pursuing a PhD at Stockholm University, where he lived.
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