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Team USA Disqualified for Political Sculpting at Championship

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Team USA was disqualified from the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Minnesota.
Officials found political messaging on the sculpture, violating competition rules.
The messaging included hand gestures spelling "ICE out," "unity," and "resist" in American Sign Language.
Dusty Thune, Team USA's captain, said the modifications were unplanned.
Team Canada won first prize.

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Story summary

Team USA was disqualified from the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Minnesota.
Officials found political messaging on the sculpture, violating competition rules.
The messaging included hand gestures spelling "ICE out," "unity," and "resist" in American Sign Language.
Dusty Thune, Team USA's captain, said the modifications were unplanned.
Team Canada won first prize.