China's Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile at Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item seems to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.