China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Holding Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the ice by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
