Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis, 29, died Tuesday after collapsing during a competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China on Friday.
Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis died Tuesday after collapsing during a competition in China on Friday, according to event organizers. He was just 29.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) issued a joint statement alongside the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of The World Games 2025 Chengdu and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) on Tuesday confirming the news of Debertolis’ sudden passing.
„The World Games Family, the LOC and the IOF are struck by this tragedy and extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the athlete and the whole Orienteering Community. Our thoughts are with those touched by this event.“
According to the statement, Debertolis was competing in the 12th edition of the World Games in Chengdu, China on Friday when he was discovered „unconscious“ during the men’s middle distance competition.
