China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
