China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
