China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
