Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe After Holding Prop Weapon at Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged of an unsuitable soft toy appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by spectators following a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters who had just performed. We apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
