China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation After Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.
