Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
