Chinese Figure Skaters Under Probe After Holding Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
