Chinese Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters sitting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
