China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
