Italian orienteering competitor Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during an event at the World Games in Chengdu, China, organisers confirmed.
The 29-year-old was found unconscious on August 8 while competing in the men’s middle-distance final and passed away four days later, according to a joint statement from the World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).
“Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical institutions, he passed away,” the statement read. No cause of death was disclosed.
The competition took place around 50 kilometres outside central Chengdu under intense heat and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
Orienteering challenges athletes to navigate an unmarked course using only a map and compass, checking in at designated points in the fastest time possible. Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan won the event in 45 minutes, 22 seconds. Debertolis, listed as “Did Not Finish” alongside 11 others, was ranked 137th in the men’s world rankings and had been representing Italy in international competitions since 2014, including multiple World Championships and World Cups.
The World Games, a multi-sport event for non-Olympic disciplines, is in its 12th edition and will run until August 17.
