China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Television footage captured the skaters waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems 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 organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
