Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.