China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by spectators following a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
