Mattia Debertolis discovered unconscious during an orienteering event in Chengdu on August 8 and died four days later.Italian orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis died on Tuesday after being found unresponsive during competition at the World Games in China’s Chengdu, organisers have said.The 29-year-old was discovered unconscious during an orienteering event on August 8 and died four days later, said a joint statement from World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF).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.It did not provide details on the cause of death.The event took place in intense heat and humidity, with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).Orienteering sees athletes navigate an unmarked course with a map and compass, punching in at designated spots along the route in the quickest time.Debertolis, from Primiero in eastern Italy, was taking part in the final of the men’s middle-distance, the first medal event of the Games.The 6km (3.7-mile-) course featured 180 metres (590ft) of ascent and 20 control points that athletes must visit.Footage from the World Games’ social media accounts showed athletes running through crop fields and villages on a largely rura …
