China's Figure Skaters Under Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television footage captured the skaters sitting with a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair from the US.