China's Ice Dancers Under Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
