Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured the skaters waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was then handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
