Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television footage captured the skaters sitting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
