China's Ice Dancers Under Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
