Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon at Competition

The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.

Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.

The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.

Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.

“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”

The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.