China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Holding Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
