Tragedy at the World Games: 29-year-old orientation runner dies!

Tragedy at the World Games: 29-year-old orientation runner dies!

Chengdu, China - Mattia Deutherolis, a 29-year-old Italian orientation runner, died during the World Games in Chengdu, China. The incident occurred last Friday, when Debertolis was found unconscious during a race. Despite immediate medical care and treatment in a clinic, he died four days later. So far, the exact circumstances of his death are unclear, which no further information has been communicated. In an official statement, the organizers of the games expressed their condolences to the family, friends and the entire orientation running community. This year's World Games are the largest multisport event for non-Olympic disciplines and take place from August 6 to 17, with around 5,000 participants in 34 different sports, such as oe24 reported.

Debertolis was not only a talented athlete, but also a civil engineer who worked on his doctorate in Stockholm. This tragic incident made the entire sports community affected. Tom Hollowell, President of the IOF orienteering association, was also mourning about the loss. It remains uncertain which health problems may have led to his sudden breakdown, because heart deaths are a worrying topic in sports. Loud [20 minutes] (https://www.20min.ch/mattia--debertolis-29-jaehriger-Orientation Laeufer-stirt-an-Games-Games-10396742) A look back on Deutscholis ’health and possible risks is becoming increasingly important.

risks in sport

The topic of sudden cardiac death primarily affects younger athletes. Studies show that diseases of the heart muscle or genetic changes such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often remain undetected in the age of 35. In the event of severe physical stress, this can lead to lack of oxygen in the heart muscle, which can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. It is alarming that about 0.7 to 3.0 deaths are recorded per 100,000 sporters per year. Men who make up 96 % of the cases are particularly affected, as the [Heart Foundation] (https://herzstiftung.de/infos-zu-herzerzenungen/koronaree-heart disease/ploetzlicher-herztod/sport) determines.

In order to minimize the risk of such tragic incidents, systematic cardiological studies are essential before the start of a sports career. Recommendations of the Heart Foundation also include regular health checks from the age of 35 in order to recognize and treat possible heart diseases at an early stage. In addition, a cardiologist should be consulted with family preload. The monitoring of one's own health can also be of crucial importance for competitive athletes.