China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
