ISU officials are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
