Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Holding Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.