China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was then held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.