China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
