Chinese Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a recently introduced China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, 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 spectators after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
