Chinese GP Ice Dancers have missile stuffie in K&C - ISU investigating

[barbk]

News I never expected to post:
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The International Skating Union is investigating after two Chinese ice dancers were shown with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a Grand Prix figure skating event.

TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the shape of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they were waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area at the Cup of China on Saturday. The toy was briefly held up by Ren, Xing and a coach, then placed across Xing’s lap.

The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made, land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
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Skating body investigates after toy missile seen with Chinese ice dancers at Grand Prix event

The International Skating Union is investigating after two Chinese ice dancers were shown with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a Grand Prix figure skating event.

apnews.com

 

[caseyedwards]

lol stuffed missile

 

[peibeck]

I guess IAM felt threatened???

 

[fan]

I’m torn about whether I find this totally hilarious or totally infuriating…on one hand, they could be looking into doping, rampant skater mental health issues, eating disorders, under age marriages…and they’re investigating- wait for it - a stuffie??!!??
On the other hand, a stuffie!

 

[Vagabond]

Is that a ballistic missile in your pocket, or are you excited to see me?

 

[coralline]

Well don't they have more important things to investigate than a stuffie?

 

[Aussie Willy]

If they threw it out on the ice during Chock/Bates performance it would have made the program more interesting.

 

[MacMadame]

I wonder if the spectator(s) who threw the missle on the ice were associated with the Chinese Federation and wanted to insert some propaganda into the event. It's the behavior in the KnC that made me wonder what was going on at the time and this investigation makes me wonder if it was more significant than some spectator wanting to throw the biggest stuffie. If it some sort of state-sponsored propaganda, I can see why the ISU is annoyed.

 

[manhn]

I am assuming this team trains in Canada? If this becomes more of a story, Canada will be caught in the middle if we are motivated to have this affect their work visa, kinda like the extradition case of Meng Wenzhou?

And what if there is a 4CC or some other event in the US? This can affect the team’s ability to compete in the US. And even Romain too if he encounters an agent who wants to review his socials.

 

[MacMadame]

I doubt it will impact them too negatively. I think the ISU will finger-wag at the Chinese Federation and that will be it.

 

[Wyliefan]

I remember seeing it at the time and not thinking much more than "Wait ... is that ... wow, that's weird."

But yeah, it would be a good idea to tell people not to do that again. It's certainly not the biggest crisis in skating, but it's not advisable.

 

[skatingguy]

Seems like these things are really easy to find, and buy.

https://shorturl.at/8lGQJ