China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by spectators after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
