China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair from the US.
