Chinese Figure Skaters Under Probe After Holding Toy Missile at Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed the skaters waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
