China's Ice Dancers Face Probe After Displaying Toy Missile at Event
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Television footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
