Tragic Loss: Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis Passes Away After Collapse

Mon Sep 29 2025 16:20:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a heartbreaking incident, the world of orienteering mourns the loss of 29-year-old Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis, who collapsed during the World Games.

Mattia Debertolis, a promising orienteer representing Italy, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained after collapsing during the World Games in Chengdu, China. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away four days later. The competition, held under challenging conditions, marked a somber moment for the orienteering community as they grieve a talented athlete.

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has died following a collapse incident during the World Games held in Chengdu, China last week. The 29-year-old athlete was found unconscious while competing in an orienteering event last Friday, where temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius. He remained in a critical state for four days before passing away on Tuesday, with the exact cause of death yet to be determined.

World Games organizers have expressed their condolences, stating that despite receiving immediate medical care from one of China's top medical facilities, they were unable to save him. Debertolis, who ranked 137th in the world, was competing in the men's middle-distance event final when he collapsed, joining a list of 12 athletes noted as "Did Not Finish."

A valued member of the Italian national team, Debertolis had previously achieved a remarkable fifth place in the 2022 World Cup final. In light of this tragedy, organizers of the World Games committed to supporting Debertolis' family and the broader orienteering community during this difficult time of mourning.