Chinese Figure Skaters Under Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.