China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting with a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
