Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
