Chinese Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
