Tragedy at the World Games: Italian Athlete Dies After Collapse
Mattia Debertolis, a 29-year-old Italian orienteering athlete, tragically passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after collapsing during a competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The incident occurred on Friday, August 8th, during the men's middle-distance event. Despite being taken to a hospital and receiving four days of medical treatment, he could not be saved.
A joint statement from the International World Games Association (IWGA), the local organizing committee, and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) confirmed his death. The cause of death has not been officially released. The competition took place in challenging conditions with high heat and humidity. Debertolis was listed as "Did Not Finish" in the official race results for the 6-kilometer course.
In addition to being a gifted athlete, Debertolis was a civil engineer pursuing a Ph.D. in Stockholm. The World Games organizers and the IOF have extended their deepest condolences to his family and the wider orienteering community.
