Chinese Figure Skaters Under Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. We 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 Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
