Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Holding Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured the skaters waiting with a large toy shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
