Chinese Ice Dancers Under Probe After Holding Prop Weapon during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Television video showed the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
