China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
