Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.
