Mattia Debertolis died after racing in 43-degree heat in China.

Chengdu (China), August 12, 2025 – Mattia Debertolis, the Trentino athlete from the Italian national orienteering team competing in the World Games in Chengdu, has died .

The Italian Orienteering Federation (FISO) announced: "Mattia has passed away, cared for by his mother Erica, his brother Nicolò, the rest of his family in Italy, including his father Fabio, his partner Jessica, his grandparents, the president of his club, Gabriele Viale, the national coach Stefano Raus and his teammates Francesco, Anna, and Caterina, Alessio Tenani and Riccardo Scalet, the entire IOF management team and the World Games Organizing Committee, the doctors and nurses at Chengdu Hospital, representatives of the Italian government in China, our love, and that of those who knew you throughout the world. Farewell Mattia, we will all do our best to honor your memory. The FISO President, Alfio Giomi, and the FISO Federal Council."

Mattia Debertolis died at the age of 29 after suffering a seizure during the Middleweight race of the international competition, and his medical condition immediately appeared critical. The race was run in near-impossible weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 43°C , which may have affected the athlete's health.