Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.