China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
