Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis tragically passed away on Tuesday during the World Games in Chengdu, China, after collapsing while competing, according to event organizers.
Debertolis, 29, lost consciousness during an orienteering race on August 8 and died four days later, a joint statement from the World Games organizers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) confirmed.
The World Games is a multi-sport event held every four years featuring disciplines not included in the Olympics.
“Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical facilities, he passed away,” the statement said, without disclosing the cause of death.
Orienteering involves athletes navigating an unmarked course using a map and compass, aiming to reach designated checkpoints as quickly as possible.
The event took place about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from central Chengdu, under intense heat and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Debertolis collapsed during the final of the men’s middle-distance event.
The race was won by Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan, who finished in 45 minutes and 22 seconds.
Debertolis was marked as “Did Not Finish” in the official results, along with 11 other competitors.
Ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings, Debertolis had been competing internationally since 2014. He represented Italy in several World Championships and World Cups.
This edition marks the 12th World Games, which continue until August 17.
The World Games organizers and IOF pledged to “continue supporting the family of Mattia Debertolis and the orienteering community in every possible way,” according to their joint statement.
