In a heartbreaking incident at the World Games, Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has succumbed to injuries after collapsing while competing. The event took place under challenging conditions with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. Despite immediate medical intervention at one of China’s top medical facilities, Debertolis, who ranked 137th in the world, tragically passed away four days later on Tuesday.
Last Friday during the men's middle-distance event, Debertolis was found unconscious by event organizers, and although he was among elite competitors—having finished 5th in the 2022 World Cup final—he was unable to finish this race, joining eleven other athletes who also did not complete the course. The precise cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Organizers of the World Games expressed their condolences and pledged to continue providing support to both Debertolis's family and the broader orienteering community during this difficult time, highlighting the tragic loss felt across the sporting world. As the event aims to showcase lesser-known sports not included in the Olympics, this incident has reignited discussions surrounding athlete health and safety in extreme climatic conditions.
Last Friday during the men's middle-distance event, Debertolis was found unconscious by event organizers, and although he was among elite competitors—having finished 5th in the 2022 World Cup final—he was unable to finish this race, joining eleven other athletes who also did not complete the course. The precise cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Organizers of the World Games expressed their condolences and pledged to continue providing support to both Debertolis's family and the broader orienteering community during this difficult time, highlighting the tragic loss felt across the sporting world. As the event aims to showcase lesser-known sports not included in the Olympics, this incident has reignited discussions surrounding athlete health and safety in extreme climatic conditions.
