China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.