Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item seems 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 stated in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
