Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
