China's Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
