Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe After Displaying Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a new China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
