China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
