China's Ice Dancers Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile at Event
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 an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
