Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
