Italian orienteering star Mattia Debertolis, aged 29, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, four days after collapsing during a competitive event at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The collapse occurred during the final of the men’s middle-distance race amidst sweltering conditions exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Despite swift and expert medical intervention at one of China's top hospitals, Debertolis could not be saved.
The World Games organization confirmed his passing in a statement expressing deep condolences and emphasizing their commitment to support Debertolis' family and the global orienteering community. His cause of death remains undetermined. Debertolis, who was ranked 137th worldwide and had achieved a 5th place finish in the 2022 World Cup final, is among twelve athletes noted as "Did Not Finish" in the event's official rankings. This grim occurrence sheds light on the risks athletes face during extreme competitions as the sports community comes together to grieve and remember the talented young athlete.
