Last Friday, during the men's middle-distance event, temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius when Debertolis suddenly collapsed. Despite the immediate medical attention provided by professionals at one of China's top hospitals, the athlete was unable to recover and died on Tuesday, leaving the sports community reeling from the news.
Ranked 137th in the world, Debertolis was a member of the Italian national team and had previously excelled in international competitions, including a noteworthy 5th place finish in the 2022 World Cup final. His untimely death raises critical questions about the physical demands placed on athletes, especially in extreme weather conditions, and the measures in place to ensure their safety.
World Games organizers expressed their condolences and pledged support for Debertolis' family and the broader orienteering community during this difficult time. As fans and fellow athletes mourn his loss, discussions about safeguarding competitors against such tragedies are likely to intensify, spotlighting the need for stringent health protocols in competitive sports.
