Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Holding Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed the skaters waiting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.