China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters sitting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization commented via a release.
The item was then handled by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
