Italian athlete dies after collapse at World Games

Mattia Debertolis was ranked 137th in the world

Italian orienteer Mattia Debertolis has died after collapsing during the World Games in China last week.

The 29-year-old was found unconscious by organisers during an orienteering event last Friday in Chengdu.

The Italian died on Tuesday - four days after his collapse.

"Despite receiving immediate expert medical care at one of Chinas leading medical institutions, he passed away," World Games organisers said in a statement.

Debertolis cause of death is unknown at this stage.

The World Games is a multi-sport event held every four years for events that are not listed in the Olympics.

Debertolis was taking part in the final of the mens middle-distance event, which took place in temperatures above 30 degrees, when he collapsed.

The Italian was one of 12 athletes listed as "Did Not Finish" in the official results.

He was part of the Italian national team and finished 5th in the 2022 World Cup final.

World Games organisers said they will "continue to support the family of Debertolis and the orienteering community in every possible way."