Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has tragically passed away after collapsing during a race at the World Games held in Chengdu, China, last Friday. The 29-year-old athlete was found unconscious by organizers during the men's middle-distance event, which took place under challenging conditions with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. Despite receiving urgent medical attention at one of China’s top hospitals, Debertolis succumbed to his condition four days later, on Tuesday.
The exact cause of his death remains undisclosed as investigations continue. Debertolis had a notable career, ranking 137th in the world and securing a commendable fifth place in the 2022 World Cup final. His demise was marked by the World Games organizers who expressed their heartfelt condolences and commitment to support his family and the orienteering community during this devastating time. Notably, Debertolis was among 12 athletes who were officially marked as "Did Not Finish" in the event's results.
