Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently 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 from the US.
