China's Figure Skaters Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
