China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
