Mattia Debertolis endured three days of pain before he passed away

Tragedy Strikes Italian Orienteering Star Mattia Debertolis at World Games

In a shocking turn of events, Italian orienteering sensation Mattia Debertolis passed away on August 12, 2025, following a medical emergency during the World Games in Chengdu, China. Debertolis, a 29-year-old civil engineering PhD student at the University of Stockholm, was a prominent figure in the orienteering world, known for his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication.

The incident occurred during the men's middle-distance orienteering competition. Debertolis collapsed and was found unconscious. Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at a leading hospital in China, he succumbed to his injuries four days later. The specific cause of his death remains undisclosed.

The Federazione Italiana di Sport Orientamento (FISO) announced Debertolis' death on its website, while the International World Games Association, Local Organising Committee, and International Orienteering Federation extended their condolences. However, they have not provided details on the exact medical reason for his collapse and subsequent death.

In the sweltering heat of Chengdu, temperatures reportedly exceeded 30°C, potentially suggesting heat-related stress as a possible factor. However, this remains speculation, as official sources have yet to confirm the cause.

Debertolis was a seasoned athlete, having competed in numerous World Championships and World Cups. He was one of the three team captains in the Park World Tour society and was a member of the national orienteering team. His passion for navigation and finding control points led him to prioritize orienteering and pursue an elite orienteering career.

Debertolis' achievements include winning the under-21 sprint and long distance races of the Mediterranean Championships in Turkey in 2017 and last year's Italian long distance and middle distance championships. His best results include a fifth-place finish with the Italian relay team in the 2022 World Cup final.

Debertolis was also a member of IFK Lidingo Sok orienteering club. His family, including his mother Erica, brother Nicolò, his partner Jessica, and other family members, teammates, and officials, were by his side during his final moments.

In a statement, the president of FISO, Alfio Giomi, and the Federal Council expressed their condolences and vowed to honor Debertolis' memory. In a show of respect, FISO has decided not to disseminate news or communiques regarding the MTB-O World Championships, and any news regarding the national team's notable results will be postponed to a more appropriate time.

Debertolis' GPS device stopped transmitting during the race, indicating he was stationary. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the risks athletes face in their pursuit of excellence. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire orienteering community during this difficult time.

[1] The Guardian

[2] BBC Sport

[3] The New York Times

[4] The Local

[5] The Telegraph

During the span of his career, Debertolis' average performance in several World Championships and World Cups cemented him as a standout talent in the science of orienteering.
In the sports analysis of various European leagues, such as the Premier League and other football divisions, the impact of mental health on athletes' performance has gained significant attention, including the tragic circumstances surrounding Mattia Debertolis.
In an effort to support athletes' overall health-and-wellness, organizations within the sports world are increasingly promoting fitness-and-exercise initiatives, in the hope of creating a more balanced lifestyle and reducing risks associated with intense competition.
As Debertolis had a welcoming attitude towards interviews and an engaging personality, he often took part in social media interactions, discussing topics like health, fitness, and his love for orienteering.
The world of science, sports, and health-and-wellness came together to mourn the loss of a shining star, Mattia Debertolis, whose untimely death at the World Games underscores the need for greater emphasis on player safety and mental health support in sports at all levels.