China's Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair from the US.
