Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked âDF-61â while waiting for the judges' results at the âkiss and cryâ area during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
âThe ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,â the organization commented via a release.
âThe soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.â
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
