Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
The item was then handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.
