Chinese Figure Skaters Face Probe After Displaying Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters waiting with a large toy shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
