China's Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
The item was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
