China's Figure Skaters Under Probe After Holding Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation following two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
