China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
