Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with what looked like a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured the skaters waiting with a large toy shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the organization commented via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
