Chinese Figure Skaters Under Probe After Holding Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
