Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was then handled by the athletes after their performance. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
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.
