China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Competition
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
