China's Ice Dancers Under Probe After Displaying Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
