Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.