China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
