China's Ice Dancers Under Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
