Italian athlete dies at World Games in China

Mattia Debertolis, 29, was found unconscious during men's middle-distance orienteering competition Friday

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – An Italian orienteering athlete died after collapsing during a competition at the World Games 2025 in China, organizers said on Tuesday.

Mattia Debertolis, 29, was found unconscious during the men's middle-distance orienteering competition on Friday and passed away on Tuesday, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of The World Games 2025 Chengdu and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) said in a joint statement.

Debertolis was taking part in the final of the men’s middle-distance event when he collapsed.

The World Games is a multisport event held every four years for disciplines not included in the Olympics.

“Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of China’s leading medical institutions, he passed away,” the statement said, without providing further details, including the cause of death.

The event took place in intense heat and humidity, with temperatures above 30°C (86°F).

*Writing by Aamir Latif

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