China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
