Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. We apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
