Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
