China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence 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.