Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Event
ISU officials 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 the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
