Italian athlete dies after collapse at World Games

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during the World Games in China last week. The 29-year-old was found unconscious by organisers during an orienteering event last Friday in Chengdu. The Italian died on Tuesday – four days after his collapse. “Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical institutions, […]

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during the World Games in China last week.

The 29-year-old was found unconscious by organisers during an orienteering event last Friday in Chengdu.

The Italian died on Tuesday – four days after his collapse.

“Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical institutions, he passed away,” World Games organisers said in a statement.

International Orienteering Federation (IOF) President Tom Hollowell said he was “not able to adequately describe the unfathomable depth of sadness in this tragic loss of life”. Debertolis’ cause of death is unknown at this stage.

The World Games is a multi-sport event held every four years for events that are not listed in the Olympics.