China's Figure Skaters Under Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed the skaters waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
