China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then handled by the skaters who had just performed. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
