China's Ice Dancers Face Probe After Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.