China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Television footage captured the skaters sitting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.
