Chinese Ice Dancers Under Probe After Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials have launched an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
