China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
