Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Holding Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
