Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization commented via a release.
The item was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
