China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model represents a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.