China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. We regrets the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
