Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis tragically passed away during the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. The 29-year-old collapsed on August 8 while competing in the men’s middle-distance event and died four days later, according to a joint statement from the World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).
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The World Games, a prestigious multisport event held every four years for disciplines not featured in the Olympics, was hosting its 12th edition in Chengdu. This year’s competition brought together around 4,000 athletes from across the globe to compete in 253 events.
Organisers confirmed that Debertolis received immediate expert medical attention and was transferred to one of China’s leading medical institutions. However, despite all efforts, he passed away. No official details have been released regarding the exact cause of his death.
The men’s middle-distance orienteering event took place roughly 50 kilometres outside central Chengdu in hot and humid weather, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Orienteering is a demanding sport that tests both physical endurance and navigation skills, requiring competitors to follow an unmarked course using only a map and compass. The course in Chengdu spanned six kilometres, involved 180 metres of ascent, and featured 20 checkpoints that athletes were required to visit in the fastest possible time.
Footage released by World Games social media accounts showed athletes running through crop fields, rural landscapes, and small villages. Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan claimed victory in the event, completing the course in 45 minutes and 22 seconds. Speaking to Chinese state media, Rancan noted the difficulty of competing in such challenging conditions, saying he had to acclimatise quickly to the heat and humidity.
Debertolis was marked as “Did Not Finish” in the official results, along with 11 other competitors. At the time of his passing, he was ranked 137th in the men’s Orienteering World Rankings and had been an active competitor since 2014. His career highlights included multiple appearances in World Championships and World Cups as part of the Italian national team.
Outside of sports, Debertolis was pursuing a PhD at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, where he resided. His passing has deeply affected both the international sporting community and his academic circle.
The IOF and World Games organisers expressed their profound sorrow in a joint statement, offering condolences to his family, friends, and the global orienteering community. “Our thoughts are with those touched by this event,” the statement read. Organisers have pledged to provide full support to his loved ones during this difficult time.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the World Games, particularly as the men’s middle-distance event was the first medal event of the Chengdu Games. It serves as a sobering reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with endurance sports, especially in extreme weather conditions.
The orienteering community, known for its close bonds and shared passion for the sport, has rallied in remembrance of Debertolis. Tributes have poured in from fellow athletes, fans, and sports organisations worldwide, honouring his achievements, dedication, and love for the sport.
As the Games continue until August 17, the memory of Mattia Debertolis will remain in the hearts of those who knew him and those inspired by his athletic spirit. His legacy in the sport of orienteering will endure, not just through his competitive records, but in the lasting impact he made on his peers and the sport he cherished.
