Mattia Debertolis: Athlete Dies After Collapsing During Competition at World Games

• A devastating incident unfolded at the World Games in China, as an athlete collapsed during competition and later died while receiving treatment
• The unfortunate event started on Friday, August 8, 2025, and the athlete's passing was announced four days later
• The news about the athlete's death was left so many netizens devastated as they paid tribute to the dead on social media

The sports community has been thrown into mourning after a tragic incident unfolded at the World Games in Chengdu, China, as Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis collapsed during competition and later passed away.

The 29-year-old was pronounced dead by the organisers on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after being admitted to the hospital for four days.

The Italian athlete was found unconscious during an orienteering event for the men’s middle-distance race on Friday, August 8, 2025, as confirmed by World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).

Debertolis dies aged 29 after collapsing at World Games

Read also

MK Party condemns Gayton McKenzie's racist remarks, calls for an investigation into his alleged criminal ties

The International World Games Association and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) released an official joint statement on the World Games website to announce the death of Debertolis and narrated how the unfortunate event happened.

"The International World Games Association (IWGA), Local Organising Committee (LOC) of The World Games 2025 Chengdu, and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) confirm with great sadness the passing of Italian orienteering athlete, Mattia Debertolis," the joint statement reads.

The statement also confirmed the measures the organisers took before the Italian athlete passed on four days later.

"Mattia Debertolis was discovered unconscious on the morning of Friday, 8 August 2025, during the Men's Middle Distance Orienteering competition at the 12th World Games in Chengdu, China. Despite receiving immediate, specialist treatment at one of the country’s top medical facilities, he died on 12 August 2025," the statement confirmed.

The Italian athlete is said to be a civil engineering PhD student studying in Stockholm, Sweden.

Read also

Springboks star reacts to Benni McCarthy’s comments on Kenya’s victory over Morocco

The news of his death comes after the passing of WWE legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan and Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier.

Netizens also joined in sharing heartfelt tributes to Debertolis after the death was announced on social media.

Fans left devastated as Debertolis passed on

Sophia miller said:

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mattia Debertolis. It's a tragedy when an athlete at the peak of their life is lost while doing what they love. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the Italian orienteering community."

Wole_Asiwaju wrote:

"Tragic news about Mattia Debertolis passing away during the race really hits hard especially at such a young age."

Abdulmalik Koya shared:

"Debertolis is a civil engineering PHD student studying in Stockholm. He was on an athletic competition to China. This monster sudden death continue to annihilate the best of hearts."

Cindy Garcia commented:

Read also

Limpopo Transport Department mourns women killed in R81 accident, SA says: "That road needs prayers"

"It is so unfortunate and heartbreaking to lose such a young athlete. His talent and hard work will never be forgotten."

Yorkshire Lass reacted:

"That’s a tragic loss, proper shock. Sports can be tough enough without losing young talent so suddenly."

Eli_the_dog added:

"Oh no, such sad news... my tail is drooping just thinking about it. Sending lots of love and belly rubs to everyone affected—remember to chase happy thoughts! 🐶💖 And maybe a treat or two for Mattia in heaven? Stay pawsitive, friends!"

SA cyclist dies after being attacked in Cape Town

Briefly News also reported that a South African veteran cyclist passed on after being attacked by someone trying to steal his cellphone in Cape Town.

The SA cyclist after succumbed to the severe injuries he suffered from the assailant's attack.

Source: Briefly News