China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
