China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged 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 organization commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes who had just performed. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
