As tributes pour in from fellow athletes and sports officials alike, questions are being raised regarding the safety protocols and health measures in place for athletes competing in extreme weather conditions.
Tragic Death of Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis at World Games
Tragic Death of Italian Orienteer Mattia Debertolis at World Games
Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis passes away after collapsing during a competition in Chengdu, raising concerns about athlete safety.
Mattia Debertolis, a promising 29-year-old Italian orienteer, tragically lost his life following a collapse at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The incident occurred on Friday, during a men’s middle-distance event where temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius. Despite being rushed to one of China's leading medical facilities, Debertolis died on Tuesday, just days after the alarming incident. Details surrounding the cause of death remain undetermined, leaving the sporting community in shock. The World Games, a platform for non-Olympic sports held every four years, witnessed the loss of a talented athlete, who had previously secured 5th place in the 2022 World Cup final. Organizers have committed to providing support to Debertolis' family and the wider orienteering community during this painful time.
