Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials have launched an investigation following two Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
