China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Holding Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed the skaters waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU 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 soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.