China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed the skaters sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled âDF-61â as they awaited the judges' results at the âkiss and cryâ zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by spectators after a performance during the competition,â the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.â
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.