The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) has today published the final report from the Independent Investigation Panel concerning the organisation of the IOF Middle Distance event at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
The report follows an extensive and detailed investigation commissioned by the IOF after the tragic events of 8 August 2025, when Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis collapsed during competition and later passed away. The IOF once again expresses its deepest condolences to Mattia’s family, friends, and the wider orienteering community.
The IOF wishes to sincerely thank the members of the Independent Investigation Panel – Dr Leanne O’Leary (Chair), Professor Dr Mats Börjesson, and Mr Graham Gristwood – for their thorough, professional and independent work.
Comprehensive review
The Panel has conducted a comprehensive review of the event’s organisation and has delivered clear findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening athlete health and safety at future competitions. The IOF recognises the quality and importance of these recommendations and welcomes the report as a valuable basis for further improvement.
The report identifies several key areas for development, including the need for a dedicated heat policy, increased use of medical expertise in event planning, strengthened risk assessment procedures, and improved clarity in roles and responsibilities within multi-sport events.
The IOF notes that a number of these recommendations are already being implemented, including steps taken since 2025 to address heat-related risks at international competitions. The IOF is committed to carefully reviewing all recommendations in detail and to taking the necessary actions to ensure their effective implementation.
“Commited to act”
Tom Hollowell, IOF President, says: “This report addresses a very serious and tragic event in our sport. We are deeply grateful to the Independent Investigation Panel for their thorough and professional work in examining the circumstances and providing clear recommendations.
The IOF fully acknowledges the findings and is committed to acting on them. Some measures are already underway, and we will continue to strengthen our approach to health and safety across all IOF events. Our priority is to ensure that we learn from this tragedy and provide the safest possible environment for our athletes.”
The IOF will now begin a structured follow-up process, including internal review, consultation with key stakeholders, and communication with the international orienteering community on the measures to be implemented.