China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
