China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by spectators following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.