Chinese Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Holding Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was then held by the athletes who had just performed. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
