China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
