Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following 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 held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
