China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
