Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
