Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
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.
