Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
