China's Figure Skaters Under Probe After Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers appeared with what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
