China's Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Holding Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
